Bayon

From Dawn Rooney’s “Angkor”:  "The architectural composition of the Bayon exudes grandness in every aspect.  Its elements juxtapose each other to create balance and harmony.  Over 200 large faces carved on the 54 towers give this temple its majestic character. … The iconography of the four faces has been widely debated by scholars and, although some think they represent the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in keeping with the Buddhist character of the temple, it is generally accepted that the four faces on each of the towers are images of King Jayarvarman VII and signify the omnipresence of the king.  Besides the architecture and the smiling faces, the highlight of the Bayon is undoubtedly the bas-reliefs, presented in both the inner and outer galleries."