Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v6.c41.s17.39

v6.c41.s17.39

The temple of Bayon is situated within the city walls of Angkor Thom. It was founded by Jayavarman II (A.D. 802–869), the first king of the dynasty, and was consecrated by Yaśovarman (889–910), the fourth king, about A.D. 900. That this long period of a hundred years was required for the construction of this great temple may be indicated by the fact that it had a double course of sculptural corridors, ‘the aggregate length of which has been calculated to be over 36,000 feet, or nearly twice that of Angkor Vāt,’ and that, while Angkor Vāt has nine towers, the temple of Bayon had fifty. Unfortunately it suffers from terrible ruin and a forest of trees has badly invaded it. Thus no general view is available. But the architects have recovered its wonderful plan. It is of a pyramidal form and belongs to the third group of Cambodian temple. ‘The principal difference between it and the Angkor Vāt is found in the second platform, and the great importance given to the sanctuary, as well as the richer and more elaborate ornamentation.’ It had great entrance porches on the north, south, and west sides, and the entrance porch vestibule and two other halls preceding the sanctuary on the east side.