Bayon is Jayavarman VII’s (1181-c.1220) state temple, set at the heart of the capital city of Angkor Thom. Its construction was never completed, and interpretations of the face towers vary. Most believe the faces to be representations of Lokesvara or Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, due to the Buddhist orientation of Jayavarman VII’s reign. Because the temple passed through different architectural and religious phases, it has also been surmised that the towers represent Brahma, the four-headed god from the Hindu pantheon. The Bayon contains elaborate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from history, Hindu mythology, and daily life.