Tag: Siem Reap

The Temple of Smiling EdiFaces

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Of the 70 plus major temples within Angkor Archaeological Park, and hundreds more smaller shrines, ceremonial buildings, and symbolic ruins scattered throughout the broader Angkor region, none is more enigmatic than Bayon Temple.

A view of Bayon Temple featuring its iconic stone towers and intricate sculptures, including lion figures, set against a clear blue sky.

It stands at the center of Angkor Thom, the Khmer capital, as Khmer Empire’s only Buddhist state temple, and last temple constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

A stone sculpture of a seated figure in a meditative pose, featuring a smooth head and a serene expression, suggesting a representation of Buddha.

While hiking among the remaining 37 towers (originally 54) preserved throughout the temple’s 5.5 acres,

A detailed architectural plan of Bayon Temple, showing the layout of the first, second, and third levels, central sanctuary, and main entrance stairs.

it becomes increasingly apparent that only the most talented artisans were chosen to sculpt Jayavarman’s likeness to resemble Buddha.

A close-up of the stone towers of Bayon Temple, featuring intricate carvings and multiple large faces, under a clear blue sky.

Or perhaps Buddha’s representation was intended to commemorate Jayavarman.

Either way, I found the serene and smiling faces profoundly impactful–creating an encouraging atmosphere to contemplate the spiritual energy infused in our surroundings,

Close-up view of a stone tower at Bayon Temple, featuring intricate carvings and a large smiling face, under a clear blue sky.

and making us feel a part of something greater.

Close-up view of the stone faces and towers of Bayon Temple, showcasing intricate carvings and the unique architectural features of this historical site.

The enlightened expressions also served as a gentle reminder of the beauty unlocked from local sandstone and laterite stone–

Intricate stone carving depicting deities and floral motifs from Bayon Temple in Angkor, showcasing Khmer artistry.

inspiring us to embrace positivity and carry it with us beyond our stay.

A panoramic view of Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, showcasing its distinctive towers amidst lush greenery and a clear blue sky, with visitors exploring the ancient structure.

Khmer sculptors have also created a remarkable tableau of battle history, religious mythology, and random scenes from everyday life recorded on gallery walls throughout the complex.

Relief sculpture depicting figures in a battle scene, showcasing intricate details of clothing and weaponry, representing Khmer artistry at Bayon Temple.
Detailed bas-relief carving depicting scenes of battle and daily life from the Bayon Temple, showcasing Khmer artistry and historical narratives.
Detailed relief sculpture depicting historical battle scenes and everyday life, featuring figures with weapons, a cart, and animals, carved into stone at Bayon Temple.
Detailed relief carving depicting figures in an ancient Khmer scene, surrounded by intricate tree and foliage designs.
Carved relief depicting figures engaged in various activities, showcasing daily life and rituals in the Bayon Temple of Angkor.

Aside from its historical significance and its testament to architectual genius, Bayon Temple continues to serve as a vibrant center of spiritual life. Local communities gather regularly to participate in rituals and ceremonies, reflecting their enduring faith and cultural heritage.

A seated Buddha statue draped in a golden cloth surrounded by offerings, including flowers and fruit, within an ancient temple.

The presence of monks who play a vital role in guiding the spiritual practices of the community reinforces the temple’s significance beyond just a tourist attraction.

Two young monks in orange robes descending the stairs of Bayon Temple, featuring a towering stone face in the background on a clear blue sky.

Their ongoing devotion helps preserve the temple’s sanctity, making it a living testament to the blend of history and contemporary spirituality in Cambodia.

Exploring Angkor Wat

Posted in Adventure, archeology, Architecture, culture, History, landscape, museum, Photography, religion, travel, wanderlustTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Siem Reap Province, located in northwestern Cambodia, possesses significant cultural, religious, and symbolic value, and is also renowned for its architectural, archaeological, and artistic importance. Furthermore, Siem Reap is home to Angkor Archaeological Park, the world’s largest religious monument complex and the cornerstone of Cambodia’s tourism sector.

Our O.A.T. group overlanded from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with a stopover at the ancient Kampong Kdei Bridge, constructed in the 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.

The bridge is a testament to the engineers who designed the 87m river span with 21 corbelled arches of laterite, making it the longest structure of its kind in the world.

A view of the ancient Kampong Kdei Bridge, showcasing its impressive 12th-century architecture with multiple corbelled arches over a dry riverbed, set against a clear blue sky.

Nine-headed nagas–whose bodies form a continuous balustrade alongside the roadbed–welcome only pedestrians and cycles on the bridge because of weight restrictions.

A detailed close-up of a stone sculpture depicting a nine-headed naga, showcasing intricate carvings and textures, set against a blue sky.

While admiring the scenery, I paused a moment to consider that Leah and I were walking the same trail as the Chinese merchants who traded along the Maritime Silk Road nearly a millennium ago. Back then, it was a 2-day trek through the lowlands to reach Angkor Wat.

A person in a hooded jacket and face mask rides on a wooden cart pulled by two water buffalo along a rural path surrounded by greenery.

But not for us; we stepped out of our air-conditioned coach the following morning, well before the crowds, to cross a moat symbolizing the cosmic ocean in Hindu cosmology.

Lush greenery surrounds a tranquil lake, with trees lining the water's edge and a cloudy sky overhead.

While getting our bearings, our guide Seong, a native of Siem Reap revealed Cambodia’s worst kept secret: by arriving at Angkor Wat’s Death Gopura (East Gate), we were avoiding the popular western gateway with five times the tourists.

Restoration work on an ancient temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, featuring scaffolding, surrounded by lush trees and fallen leaves on the ground.

The cloud cover flattened the morning light on our approach down the expansive causeway. It was the best time for photographing Angkor. Eventually, we reached a break in the trees, perfectly framing the famed lotus tower of this Khmer masterpiece. It was reminiscent of the thrill I felt after emerging from the slot canyon in Jordan and peeking at Petra for the first time at first light.

A view of Angkor Wat, a grand Khmer temple, with a crowd of visitors walking towards its entrance, surrounded by trees and greenery.
A view of the intricate architecture of Petra, framed by tall rock cliffs, showcasing carved columns and reliefs in the sandstone.

Much has been written about Angkor Wat:

A panoramic view of Angkor Wat, with numerous visitors exploring the temple grounds, framed by trees and a cloudy sky.

About its monumental size,

A view of Angkor Wat under cloudy skies, featuring the temple's distinct architecture with its multiple spires and a nearby stone naga statue in the foreground.

spanning 402 acres,

Angkor Wat, a monumental temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, showcasing its intricate architecture and historic significance.

or 4 times the size of Vatican City;

Angkor Wat temple structure showcasing intricate architecture amidst lush greenery in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

It’s intricate bas-relief carvings throughout the temples and galleries;

Intricate bas-relief carvings showcasing historical and mythological figures from Khmer culture on a temple wall in Angkor, Cambodia.

Its historical significance, showcasing Khmer mythology and history etched into laterite stone;

Bas-relief carving depicting a scene from Hindu mythology, featuring a figure surrounded by multiple smaller figures, illustrating the artistic significance and intricate detailing of Angkor Wat.
Churning of the Sea of Milk
Intricate bas-relief carvings depicting a historical battle scene, showcasing detailed figures and intricate designs, part of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.
Heaven and Hell
Close-up view of a bas-relief carving depicting warriors on horseback and infantry, showcasing the intricate artistry of Khmer culture in Angkor Wat.
Military Parade of Kink Suryavarman II

Its religious significance–originally constructed in the 12th century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu but converted to a Theravadin Buddhist temple during the 15tth century to reflect the shift in Cambodia’s spiritual landscape;

This image depicts a detailed bas-relief sculpture of a seated figure, adorned with intricate traditional Cambodian attire and jewelry, surrounded by ornate decorative patterns.
Hindu Goddess
A statue of a Buddha seated in a meditative pose, protected by a nine-headed naga hood, with offerings of a lotus flower and food placed in its lap, set against the backdrop of an ancient temple.
Buddha seated on Mucilinda, King of the Serpents

And its architectural accomplishment–a profound reflection of Hindu cosmology, particularly the concept of Mount Meru, regarded as the mythical abode of the deities. The central tower of Angkor Wat epitomizes the summit of Mount Meru, while the adjacent smaller towers signify the mountain’s subordinate peaks. The moat and the rectangular outer wall delineate the oceans and the boundaries of the world, respectively.

A detailed scale model of Angkor Wat, showcasing its intricate architectural features and layout.

Restoration and maintenance have become routine endeavors in Angkor, which fell into neglect following the capital’s relocation to Phnom Penh in 1434. The site garnered renewed attention after being rediscovered by French naturalist Henri Mouhot in 1858.

A worker is restoring intricate stone carvings on a temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia, using scaffolding for support.

An international task force supported by Japan, India, France, South Korea, and other contributing nations have collaborated with APSARA National Authority, the Cambodian government agency responsible for Angkor’s ongoing preservation and management, to address the extensive neglect and restore the temple to World Heritage status.

A corridor at Angkor Wat with intricate stone walls and a roof with visible carvings, populated by tourists walking along the path.
Ceiling before repair
Interior view of Angkor Wat showcasing a detailed ceiling with floral patterns and carved stone walls. Visitors observe the intricate designs along the corridor.
Ceiling after repair

Recently, new risers have been completed by the Korea Heritage Agency…

Visitors climbing the steep wooden stairs of Angkor Wat, showcasing the temple's iconic structure in Cambodia.

giving access to the Bakan (central sanctuary),

A detailed architectural plan of Angkor Wat, highlighting its complex layout and design features with marked sections in red.

which supports the amazing quincunx of towers,

Close-up view of the central tower of Angkor Wat, showcasing its intricate architectural details and carvings against a blue sky.

offering amazing views,

Aerial view of Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia, showcasing its intricate rooftops and surrounding lush greenery with visitors walking along pathways.

and providing sanctuary for a rare wooden Buddha sculpture whose head remains intact,

A wooden Buddha statue draped in a golden robe, standing in a niche with a decorative background, symbolizing religious significance.

unlike most of the other Buddhas who fell victim to so many marauders over the centuries.

A partially eroded statue with missing head and arms, set against an ancient stone backdrop, showcasing intricate designs typical of Khmer art.

But amidst the vastness and splendor surrounding us, it was the people donning their Sunday best who truly captured my attention with their warmth and spirit.

A man and a woman in traditional Cambodian attire, posing together with a bouquet of flowers, against a scenic backdrop that hints at the cultural significance of their location.

often posing by the Reflecting Pool for the quintessential photograph, or so I thought.

Two people in traditional Cambodian attire posing by a reflecting pool in front of Angkor Wat, with palm trees and the temple complex in the background.

Unfortunately, the wind kicked up, causing the pool to ripple ever so slightly and affect my mirrored imagery.

View of Angkor Wat temple, with lush greenery and palm trees reflected in the water of the surrounding moat.

However, by returning the following day for a sunset farewell to Angkor, I believe I captured the iconic shot that characterizes Cambodia’s cultural landscape.

A tranquil view of Angkor Wat reflecting in the moat, highlighting the iconic lotus towers and surrounding lush greenery during a serene early morning.

The experience not only fulfilled a bucket-listed destination but deepened my appreciation for the rich heritage of Cambodia, reminding me that some locations leave an indelible mark on our souls.