This three-level temple was built in the 13th century and was the official state temple of the Buddhist King Jayavarman VII. It was the last state temple built in Angkor and the only Angkorian temple dedicated to Buddha. Its 54 gothic-style towers are decorated with 216 large faces of Avalokitesvara (Buddha of Compassion) - perhaps to create a sense of power or control. (Some scholars claim the faces bear a resemblance to the king himself.)
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