"DAYS OF INTEREST AT THE PAGODA" a Phnom Penh Travel Page by ssebugz

Bayon The Bayon, in the center of Angkor Thom, is Jayavarman VII's state temple (see picture 1, below). Its many towers characterize it with four faces in the four cardinal points. Narrative relief’s are found on the inner walls of the first, and second galleries. Those on the walls of the first gallery are arranged in three levels, many depict scenes from daily life. Kings are often represented with banners and a staff with the figure of the monkey Hanuman. Two door guardians are sculptured on the posts on either side of the entrances. One has a peaceful expression and carries a trident. The other has a more aggressive appearance and carries a club. The square pillars of the galleries are decorated with dancing figures. Apsaras (heavenly nymphs) decorate the walls of the shrines.

A composite animal that is a sort of sea-monster, like a sea-snake with crocodile head and an elephant's trunk. It is a key part of the decoration on many temple lintels and arches, with garlands of foliage or, often, another snake issuing from the mouth.