BAGAN
BAGAN _Ananda Temple _Thatbyinny Temple _Bupaya _Sulamani Temple _Dhammayangyi Temple _Shwezigon Pagoda _Htilominlo Temple _Mingalar Zedi _Gubyaukgyi Temple _Manuha Temple _Gawdawpalin Temple _Mahabohdi Temple _Mt.Popa _Sale (Sa-Lay)
The main tourist destination in Myanmar is Bagan, capital of the first Myanmar Empire, one of the richest archaeological sites in South-east Asia. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. The 42 sq km area of Bagan contains over 2000 edifices, the well-preseved pagodas and temples representing the rich cultural heritage of the 11th - 13th century. The main attraction of Bagan are:
Built by King Kyansittha in 1090, the Ananda Temple is the masterpiece of early style temple architecture. There are four huge Buddha images in the standing position at the four faces and a series of eighty reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha.
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Over 66 meters high: the Thatbyinnyu Temple, built by King Alsungsithu, in the middle of the 12th century, overtops all other monuments and its terrace affords visitors a magnificent panorama of the Bagan plain.
Situated right on the river bank of the Ayeyarwaddy, has been claimed to be the oldest in Bagan , dating back to 3rd century A.D.The shape is extraordinary being in the shape of a gourd. The Bupaya is also a favorite place to watch the sunset.
The Sulamani Guphaya 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 (A.D 1170-1300) of Bagan monument building.
This massive temple : built by King Nanrathu in the 12th century, display the finest brickwork in Bagan. It remains one of the most unique and intriguing constructs on the Bagan plain.
Built by King Anawrahta, founder of the first Myanmar Empire, and finished by King Kyansittha in 1084, the Shwezigon was held in special reverence by successive kings and became the prototype for later Myanmar pagodas.
Built by King Nadaungmya in A.D 1211: the 50 metres high Htilominlo is one of the largest temples of Bagan; and is noted for its fine plaster carvings.
It was built in A.D 1277. It was completed just ten years before the kingdom’s collapsed at the hands of the Mongols.
This early 13th century temple displays a strong influence of Indian culture. Inside are the wall paintings and 28 Buddha images in sitting position.
Situated in the southern end of Myinkaba village. In A.D 1059, the captured King Manuha had built himself this two-storey square white temple and through it conveyed a melancholy message.
It was built during the region of Narapatisithu A.D 1174 and completed during the region of his successor, Nadaungmya.
It was erected during the region of Nadaungmya A.D 1211, was modeled after the temple of the same name in Bodhagaya, India. It is a 140 feet high brick and whitewashed stucco structure characterized by a large square pyramidal tower and topped by a conical spire and umbrella.
About 67 km southeast of Bagan is Mount Popa, an extinct volcano over 1,500 metres high, rising out of the plains. It is famed as the abode of the Mahagiri Nats or Spirit gods to whom the Kings of Bagan paid annual homage and their shrines can be seen at a nearby rocky crag.
It is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formely the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquerwares, wooden reliefs and a large standing giled Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.
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