The
temple complex of Angkor
Banyan Temple (1190)
Information
24-Aug-2005
Last Edited
"The Bayon was always intended to transform - a matter
over which there can be little doubt when we remember that is name is
derived from 'Pa yantra', the 'father' or 'master' of yantra. This
is a Sanscrit word, meaning literally 'instrument', defined as a form of
mandala: 'a diagram used as a support for meditation....The component
parts of the yantra take the believer along the different steps of the
Enlightenment...."
--
Graham Hancock
Heaven's Mirror
P.195
Photo Gallery 2
A Chronology
Angkor Map
The Angkor Temples
* Diagrams also
Angkor Wat
*
(1113-1150 A.D.)
Phnom Bakeng
*
(9th-10th Century)
Angkor Thom
(1190-1210 A.D.)
Baksei Chamkrong
(947 A.D.)
Banteay Kdei
or the Citadel of
the Cells (1186 A.D.)
Banteay
Samre
(1150-1175 A.D.)
Banteay Srey
the Citadel of
Women (967 A.D.)
Banyon Temple
(1190 A.D.)
Chau Say Tevoda
and Thommanon (1190 A.D.)
Eastern Mebon and Eastern Baray
Neak Pean
(1190-1210 A.D.)
Northern and Southern Khleangs (967 A.D.)
Phimeanakas
(1000-1025 A.D.)
Prasat Kravan
(10th Century)
Pre Rup
(961 A.D.)
Preah
Pallilay
(end of the
12th century)
The Roluos Group
(850-893
A.D.)
* Preah Ko Temple
* Bakong Temple
* Lolei Temple
Srah Srang
(1190-1210 A.D.)
Ta Keo *
Ta Nei
(12th
Century)
Ta Prohm
(1186 A.D.)
Ta Som
(1190-1210 A.D.)
Tep Pranan
(late
9th century)
Terrace of the Elephants
(1190-1210 A.D.)
Terrace of
the Leper King
(1190-1210 A.D.)
From a distance, this 3-tiered mountain temple located at the heart of Angkor Thom has a rubble-like appearance. With each step closer the divine plan gradually becomes apparent. 54 towers each with four giant faces thought to represent Jayavarman VII n his divine state soon surround the pilgrim. The Bayan's charms flow from these gracious faces smiling downward, the temple is also famed for the detailed bas-reliefs depicting scenes from everyday life of the 12th century. The Bayan never ceases to enchant.
The French traveler Pierre Loti, who visited Angkor during the rainy season in 1901, said:
'Through an inextricable tangle of dripping brambles and creepers, we have to beat a path with sticks in order to reach this temple. The forest entwines it tightly on every side, chokes it, crushes it; and to complete the destruction, immense 'fig-trees of the ruins' have taken root there everywhere, up to the very summit of it towers, which act as their pedestal...
My Cambodian guide insists that we should leave. We have no lanterns, he tells me, on our carts, and we must return before the hour of the tiger. So be it. Let us go. But we shall return just for this infinitely mysterious temple.'