The temples spread across the ancient city of Bagan in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar are an impressive testament to the Burmese’s religious devotion over the years. The plain of Bagan is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites to preserve Myanmar’s religious edifies and architecture. The ancient city was once home to over 13,000 temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. However, some temples have been vandalized and destroyed, with only about 2,300 temples spread over 104 square kilometers remaining in the Bagan Archaeological Zone. This area also comprises four settlements and is open to the public at a fee, with some entry tickets valid for up to three days.
Attractive places to visit in Bagan.
Dhammayangyi Temple
Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest of all the Bagan temples, constructed during King Narathu’s reign (1167-1170). Narathu, who ascended to the throne after killing his father and brother, built this temple probably out of guilt and to atone for his sin.
Ananda Temple
The Ananda Temple was built in 1091 AD during the reign of King Kyanzittha and modeled after the Himalayas’ Nandamula cave. The temple is 51 meters tall with an hti atop a small pagoda. Inside the temple are four standing Buddhas; Kakusandha facing north, Kassapa (south), Konagamana (east), and Gautama (west).
Gawdawpalin Temple
Gawdawpalin Temple was constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of Narapati Sithu and Htilominlo. It is Bagan’s second tallest temple, after Thatbyinnyu Temple, with the two temples having similar layouts. Although heavily damaged in 1975, the temple has been reconstructed.
Thatbyinnyu Temple
Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed during Narapati Sithu’s reign, is the tallest of the Bagan temples, with a pinnacle height of 66 meters. This five-story temple reflects Bagan’s innovative architecture and artistic style and expresses the spirit of nationhood of the Burmese people. The temple was extensively destroyed by the 1975 and 2016 earthquakes and is currently undergoing reconstruction.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Shwesandaw, built during the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century, is Bagan’s tallest pagoda with a height of 100 meters. It comprises five terraces and contains the sacred hairs of a Buddha called Gautama.Shwezigon Pagoda
Shwezigon Pagoda, also built during King Anawrahta’s reign and completed by King Kyansittha, was one of the most important shrines in Bagan. This pagoda is believed to contain a tooth and bone of Gautama and four standing statues of Buddha. Shwezigon has been damaged and renovated several times over the centuries, with the current structure covered by copper plates.
Data source(worldatlas)
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