end
of 12th century, Jayavarman VII
At the center of the last city
of Angkor and a perhaps a microcosm of the kingdom with representations
of all the major divinties-Buddhist of the south and east, and Hindu to
the north the west 200 large faces adorn the 54 towers signifying the omnipresence
of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the kingdom's principal divinity. There
are indications that the temple was built in the stages with much architectural
indecision. Best early in the morning or, if you get the chance, by the
full moon. Don't miss the base reliefs.

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