| Bagan and
Environs
BAGAN: |
| Known as the city of four million pagodas, is one of the
richest archaeological sites in Asia and the main tourist
destination in Myanmar. It was also capital of the First
Myanmar Empire. This enchanting city is situated on the
eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, about 193 km south of
Mandalay. The ruins of Bagan City cover an area of 42 sq. km
containing over 2000 edifices. The majority of these
well-preserved temples and pagodas offer a rich architectural
heritage from the 11th to 13th century era. |
Bagan
|
How to get there:
It takes about one hour and twenty minutes to fly from Yangon
to Bagan. There are daily flights to Bagan from Yangon,
Mandalay and Heho. By overland, it takes 14 hours from Yangon
and 7 hours from Mandalay by coach. There is a regular train
between Bagan and Mandalay too. The newly constructed railway
between Mandalay and Bagan was unveiled in September, 1996.
Express trains from Yangon to Mandalay stop at Thazi, from
where it is accessible to Bagan by a 3-hour drive. There is
also a double-decker steamer service between Mandalay and
Bagan and the cruises " the Road to Mandalay"
operated by E & O Express, RV Pandaw 1947 operated by
Ayravata Cruises, and Irrawaddy Princess.
What to see
OLD BAGAN: |
Tharabar Gate:
The gateway was built during the 9th century, by King Pyin
Pyar Min (A.D 846 -878). He built the fortress of Bagan with
12 gateways. The Tharaba Gateway was located on the east side
of the palace. It was used as the main gate to the city.
"Tharaba" meaning "The Gate which can prevent
the arrows of the enemy". The gate is guarded by Min Maha
Giri (the brother) and Namadaw (the sister) spirits on each
side of the gate. |
Tharabar Gate
|
Ananda Temple:
Completed in 1090, Ananda Temple is King Kyansittha's
masterpiece and crowning achievement of the early style temple
architecture. The structural layout plan is that of a perfect
Greek cross with four huge Buddha images in standing position,
facing in four different directions, and a series of eighty
relieves depicting the early stages of the Buddha's life from
the Birth to His Enlightenment. |
Ananda Temple
|
Ananda Okkyaung Monastery:
Is a small red Brick Monastery situated within the temple
compound of Ananda Temple. The inside walls are covered in
18th century paintings depicting Buddha’s life and elements
of the history of Bagan. |
Thatbyinnyu Temple:
Over 66 meters high, and built by King Alaungsithu in the
middle of the 12th century, this white stucco building
overtops all other monuments as the highest pagoda on the
Bagan plain. |
Thatbyinnyu Temple
|
Nathlaung Kyaung:
Located slightly to the west of Thatbyinnyu and inside the old
city walls, is the only remaining Hindu temple in Bagan. It
was believed to be built during (A.D 931-964). In the early
days of Bagan, people used to believe in Hinduism, and
worshipped Vishu, Brahman and many other Hindu gods. This used
to be a place to worship those gods. But afterwards, King
Anawrahta brought Theravada Buddhism to Bagan with the
conquest of Thaton, and made the Hinduism vanish. It clearly
is one of the earliest of the Bagan temples.
Ngakywenadaung Paya:
Is a medium size early Pyu type brick masonry stupa. Its date
of construction remains uncertain. On the external walls and
each face had been carved in brick the ten misadventures of
Vishnu. These statues were placed upright in niches decorated
with the pilasters. The murals are contemporary sculptures.
The center of the temple is occupied by an enormous brick mass
surrounded classically bricks. It is this mass which supports
the dome and will sikhara it. The name even of the temple is
curious, it means: "the temple where the spirits are
confined" and perhaps announces a relation with the nats,
which had taken refuge here, not being able to do it in a
traditional Buddhist temple.
|
Shwegugyi Temple:
Standing on the high brick plinth, this temple was built by
King Alaungsithu in 1131 AD. The arch pediments, pilasters,
plinth and cornice molding are decorated with fine stucco
carvings, evident of Myanmar architecture of the early 12th
Century. |
Shwegugyi Temple
|
Gawdawpalin Temple:
This temple was built by King Narapatisithu during the 12th
century. It is about 60 meters high with a fine view over the
ruins of the Bagan plains and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. |
Gawdawpalin Temple
|
Myoe Daung Monastery:
It’s the oldest and the finest monastery of that age. The
complex contains two monasteries, numerous pyathats,
pavilions, rest houses and ancillary buildings. Located in the
north of Old Bagan.
The Nat Taung complex actually contains two monasteries,
numerous pyathats, pavilions, rest houses and ancillary
buildings. The main monastery building, with an east-west
orientation, is approximately 130 ft. x 115 ft. (40 m. x 35 m.
Its glory and what should be a major claim to prominence lies
in its numerous woodcarvings which are also mostly from the
late Kon-baung period of the mid- to late 19th century.
Archaeological Museum:
The museum run by Archaeological Department is situated near
the Gawdawpalin Temple. It has a collection of more than 2,000
items including Buddha statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta
cups and pots. Open daily except Monday and public holidays.
|
Dhammayangyi Temple:
Built by King Narathu during A.D 1165 is Bagan’s most
massive shrine. Among the four extraordinary temples in Bagan,
Dhammayangyi is well known for the mass and thickness of the
temple. |
Dhammayangyi Temple
|
Bupaya Pagoda:
Standing on the brink of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the Bupaya
Pagoda is a conspicuous landmark for travelers along the
river. This pagoda with bulbous dome resembling the ''Bu'' or
gourd is a favorite spot for visitors to watch the sunset. |
Bupaya Pagoda
|
Sulamani Temple:
Is one of Bagan's premier temple attractions. The name itself
means Crowning Jewel or Small Ruby. It was the first and most
important temple of the late period (1170-1300) of Bagan
monument building. It was one of many temples and stupas built
by Narapatisithu. This temple is similar to Htilominlo and the
Gawdawpalin in architecture but with better interior lighting.
It stands beyond the Dhammayangyi Temple. Important features
of the Sulamani include its fine brickwork and use of stone in
both load-bearing areas as well as on vulnerable external
corner elements. The interior was once painted with fine
frescoes but only dim traces can be seen today.
Pyayhatgyi:
This monastery of Indian influence is situated southeast of
the Sulamani. This monastery of Indian influence probably had
around the timber structures, even a hall of ordination, even
a small palate.
Pyathatgyi is really the most interesting monastery if one is
interested in the last pagoda of Bagan, and with the
techniques of construction. It was perhaps the last great
construction of the dynasty of Bagan. The technique of the
vaults on corridors intersected from/to each other is
completely exceptional.
|
Mingalazedi Pagoda:
The last pagoda of the Bagan dynasty built by King
Narathihapatae (1256-1287). Started building in 1268, and
before it was finished, a prophecy arose that "once the
pagoda is finished, the Kingdom would be destroyed". The
King thus stopped the works for 6 years. He resumed works in
1274. Ten years later, he had to run away from Bagan to escape
the invading Mongols. |
Mingalazedi Pagoda
|
Shwesandaw Pagoda:
King Anawrahta built this graceful circular pagoda in 1057.
The five terraces once had terra-cotta plaques showing scenes
from the Jataka. The pagoda bell rises from two octagonal
bases, which top the five square terraces. The upper terrace
of Shwesandaw Pagoda has become a popular sunset-viewing spot.
Try the place for sunrise. |
Shwesandaw Pagoda
|
Shinbinthalyaung:
Is a long low, rectangular brick structure, a little to the
west of the Shwesandaw Pagoda. The temple itself is not very
distinguished, but it houses the Shinbinthalaung Buddha image
made during the 11th Century. The temple in which the Buddha
image lies is about 84 feet in length, and the image itself is
70 feet in length. The Buddha is in the position of
Parinibbana, the Decease, lying on his right side, his cheek
resting on his right hand. |
Shinbinthalyaung
|
Lawkahteikpan Temple:
Close to the Shwesandaw stands the Lawkahteikpan Temple -
small but interesting for its excellent frescoes and
inscriptions in both Myanmar and Mon. |
Lawkahteikpan Temple
|
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyi-In):
It is a 13th century temple with a spire resembling the
Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in India. This temple is known
for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the Jatakas (life
stories of the Buddha). |
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyi-In):
|
| Nyaung Oo & Wetkyi-in:
Htilominlo Temple:
Built in 1211 AD by King Nadaungmya, the Htilominlo is one of
the largest temples of Bagan. It is a double-storied structure
rising 50 meters in height. This temple is noted for its fine
plaster carvings on the arch pediments, frieze and pilaster.
|
Htilominlo Temple
|
Shwezigon Pagoda:
It was first built by King Anawrahta, the founder of the First
Myanmar Empire, and completed by King Kyansittha in 1084.
Shwezigon Pagoda is the prototype for succeeding generations
of pagodas in Myanmar. There are green glazed plaques
depicting scenes from the Jatakas. The pagoda festival is held
from late October till early November. |
Shwezigon Pagoda
|
| MyinKaba:
Nanpaya and Manuha Temple:
Built by Mon King Manuha of Thaton, who was a prisoner of war
by King Anawrahta. Some say King Manuha used Nanpaya as his
residence during his years of exile in Bagan. The quality of
masonry in both of these temples is very fine. The finest
feature of the whole temple is the stone relief carvings of
the Hindu deity Bhrama in Nanpaya.
|
Nanpaya Temple
|
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba):
Was built during the A.D 1113, by Raza Kumar, the son of King
Kyansitthar and Queen Thanbula. The Gubyaukgyi Temple is a
fine temple in the Early Style, square, with a vestibule in
the east. The Gubyaukgyi is also noted for the paintings,
which cover the walls of the vestibule, the corridor and the
sanctum. These paintings are among the earliest now extant in
Bagan. |
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba)
|
Nagayon Temple:
A portico in the north, paved with green glazed stones and
having niches holding stone reliefs of the Buddha, provides
access to the Nagayon. Within the temple itself, the central
shrine contains a huge standing image of the Buddha. Two
smaller images flank the main one. A corridor, also paved with
green glazed stones, runs around the central shrine. Dim light
comes in through the perforated windows of the outer walls.
The walls of the corridor have niches holding stone sculptures
depicting the Buddhas previous to Gotama, as well as paintings
showing scenes from the Jatakas and the Final Life of Gotama
Buddha. |
Abeyadana Temple:
This Pagoda built by King Kyanzittha in adoration for his wife
contains a seated brick Buddha that has now been mostly
covered concrete. However the true attraction lies in the
stunning paintings that cover the inner walls, most
representing images from Mahayana Buddhism, such as Brahma,
Indra and Vishnu. |
Abeyadana Temple
|
| NEW BAGAN:
Lawkananda Pagoda:
Situated at the edge of the river, this large gilded Stupa is
one of the prominent visual landmarks of Bagan and can be seen
by all boats that pass along the Ayeyarwady River.
Ashe Petleik and Anauk Petleik Pagodas:
The two Petleik pagodas (the Ashe (Eastern) and Anauk
(Western) - belong to the 11th century and have been assigned
to the reign of Anawrahta (1044-1077). The Western pagoda is
better preserved and has a bell-shaped dome, with rings of
moulding at the middle and towards the base. An unusual
feature of the dome is the four deep niches at the cardinal
points to house images of the Buddha. A damaged bowl-shaped
disc rests on the dome in the Western Pagoda, while in the
Eastern Pagoda a box-like relic chamber occupies the
corresponding position. The finial, which rises above, is in
the form of a truncated cone.
Lacquer ware:
Masterpieces of lacquer ware have been the pride of Bagan
since the days of the Bagan Empire. It is still the main
industry of Bagan today and you can observe the making process
of lacquer ware from the beginning to the finished products
ready for sale at the shops. Lacquer ware like bowls, boxes,
trays and paintings are the best souvenirs of Bagan.
Minnanthu Village:
Leimyethna Temple:
Resting on a platform, the temple is square in plan, with
porches projecting on all four sides, and with the main
entrance in the east. The superstructure consists of receding
terraces, with crenellated parapets and small stupas at the
corners, surmounted by a curvilinear spire, which is crowned
by a stupa.
Phayathonzu Temple:
The name Phayathonzu Temple was given because the three
pagodas of the same size, appearance and height existed on the
same plinth. It is adorned with paintings of the 550 Jataka
stories and ten other depictions plus small Thambuddhay
figures. The frescoes and architecture are guessed to be of
the late 13th century.
Pwasaw:
Dhammayazika Pagoda:
Dhammayazika Pagoda was built by King Narapati Sithu in 1198.
At first glance looking much like the famous Shwezigon, the
Dhammayazika is unusual because it has pentagonal terraces
instead of the usual square ones. Above the three receding
terraces, which are ornamented with glazed Jataka plaques
raises a bell-shaped dome, which merges directly into a
sharply tapering conical finial. On each of the five sides of
the pagoda there is a small temple. The temples themselves are
of the usual form, square in plan, with a porch for entrance,
and surmounted by terraces and a curvilinear spire.
|
| ENVIRONS:
Mount Popa:
Mount Popa, 1,500 meters high, rising out of the plain, is an
extinct volcano located about 67km southeast of Bagan. It is
generally known as the abode of legendary Nats or Spirit gods,
for which the annual festival is held during the Myanmar month
of Nayon (May-June).
|
Mt. Popa
|
Sale (Salei):
A town in Magwe Division in Central Myanmar, lying on the east
bank of the Ayeyaerwaddy River is famous for three things;
first it is the birthplace of a reputed Myanmar playwright
named U Ponnya of the late Konbaung Period; secondly the plums
of Salei which are seedless and of good quality and thirdly
there is the largest Buddha Image of Lacquered wicker work in
Myanmar. The 18-foot high image is now entirely gilt and its
headband is adorned with glass mosaic, it bears the appearance
of a solid metallic work though two or three persons can
effortlessly lift it up. |
Yoke Sone Monastery
|
Pakokku:
Pakokku is a typical upper Burmese market town. With the large
and bustling market, a cigar factory and hand weaving
workshop. You can make a tour by local bus which is a fun way
of seeing the real life of this busy place and then travel
outside the town to the little know archaeological site of
Pakhangyi. We see the walls, visit the museum and a
spectacular 19th century wood carved monastery. |
Vietnam
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