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BAGAN & ENVIRONS

Bagan

Bagan was ancient capital of the first Myanmar Empire, founded by King Anawrahta. What is more, Anawrahta accomplished another great task for the country: he introduced Theravada Buddhism into Myanmar with the help of Shin Arahan, a mission monk from THATON. It is one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Bagan preserves 2200 well-renovated Stupas, Pagodas and Temples representing the diversity of ancient Myanmar architectural styles in the 11th to13th centuries. Intricate frescoes or mural paintings depicting the life of Buddha decorate the interiors of the Pagodas and Stupas. Bagan has so many mesmerising scenes that impress one's memory forever.

At BAGAN no monuments are the same. All are highly original in design and conception. The structural techniques, similar to the gothic form of Western Cathedral architecture, were in advance of contemporary engineering in Europe. Technologically daring in notion, and exquisite in execution, the Temples of BAGAN are of a splendour rarely witnessed anywhere else in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ananda Temple

It is one of the magnificent Temples of Bagan representing the masterpiece of King Kyansittha and it crowns the early style of Temple architecture of Bagan. Completed in 1091 the Anada Temple resembles the perfect Greek Cross, with the arms formed by porticoes radiating from a central square block. There are four standing Buddha Statues in side facing each cardinal points, and they are wonderfully illumined by light filtering through the perforated windows above.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Built in bell-shaped dome, Shwezigon is said to be the prototype of later Myanmar Pagodas or Stupas. It is believed to be enshrined frontlet bone, collarbone and tooth relic of Buddha. Generally it is the most glorious Pagoda in Bagan for Buddhist devotees. This Pagoda is related to the most prominent Kings of Bagan era - Anawrahta (1044~1077) and Kyansittha (1084~1113). It was constructed by the King Anawrahta but only completed by King Kyansit since just the three terraces was finished before the former king died. Perhaps its golden mass gives you an impression of weight and stability. Another interesting points is many souvenirs shops located all along the stairways.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

It was built in the mid of 12 century. Rising up to 61 meters Thatbyinnyu is the highest Temple of Bagan. Thatbyinnyu represents the omniscience wisdom of the lord Buddha. It is generally said in the third place of most significant Pagodas of Bagan. Built by King Alaungsithu (113~1163), the Thatbyin nyu is a transitional Temple between the early style of the Anada and the late style of Gawdawpalin. To the northeast of the Thatbyinnyu is the small "tally" temple. To keep count of the bricks in the building of Thatbyinyu, one brick was set aside for every 10,000 used, and this small temple was built with the bricks thus set aside.

Tharabar Gate

One and only left out of 12 gates of the walled city of Bagan. It is said to have been built around 9th century. In front of the gate are two massive shrines house for two powerful Nats, nickname in Mr. Cute and Ms. Golden Face. It is normally the site overlooked by many a tourists and left as a ruins after heavy earthquake took placed in 1975.

Gawdawpalin Temple

The Gawdawpalin is a double-storied temple in the late style. It is square in plan with four porticoes in each cardinal points, but the eastern portico projecting further than the others. It was left unfinished by King Narapatisithu and completed by his son, King Htilomonlo (1211~1234), and suffered by heavy earthquake of 1975 but has been repaired.

Mingalar Zedi Stupa

Located on the main road to New Bagan, the Mingalar Zedi was built in the last days of Bagan in 1284. It is an outstanding representative of the Pagoda type whose form was established by the Shwezigon. The three receding terraces, on which octagonal base comes the bell-shaped dome and crowned by the tapering conical finial - all these come together in a pleasing and harmonious unity. This Pagoda is one of the tourists' places to marvel the sunset of temples of Bagan with the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River backdrop.

Bupaya Pagoda

This is the one of the earliest Pagodas of Bagan, and said to have been built in 3rd century. Being located on a curve of the Ayeyarwaddy, the Bupaya serves as a landmark for travelers along the river. It is well-listed amongst the highlight Temples or Pagodas of Bagan to enjoy sunset.

Htilominlo Temple

Built in 1211, Htilominlo belongs to the late Temples style of double storied monuments. It includes in the list of highlight Pagodas that are worth of seeing. It is said to have enshrined the Buddha's hair, and this two-storied temple has four images of the Buddha in its ground storey. Two stairways built into the thick walls lead to the upper storey where there are another four images of Buddha. Portions of the fine plaster carving still remain on the arch pediments. Unfortunately the mural inside have suffered by the passage of time.

Damayangyi Temple

It is built by King Narathu who ascended the throne after he had killed his father. Later to compensate for his sin he built a massive Temple which is noted for its fine brickwork. The bricks are fitted so perfect that there is hardly any space in between. The chronicles relate that its builder, King Narathu (1163~1165) was killed by Indian mercenaries sent by the then King of India Pateikkaya, after whose daughter, Narathu's queen, had been killed by Narathu. Thus he's got the nickname of "The King who was felled by Indians".

Archaeological Museum

Locate in the middle of old Bagan where you can observe the history and ancient artifacts of glorious Bagan.

Around Bagan
Mt.Popa

Mount Popa is located 67km southeast of Bagan. It is an extinct volcano rising 1518 meters high out of the plains. This solitary peak is home of Myanmar's most powerful "NATS"- a collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honoured by some Myanmar people. They still believe that nats can make life difficult if they are not accorded sufficient respect. Thousands of Myanmar gathers here twice yearly to honour the spirits and attend the festivals (May/June). Mount Popa is so lush and green that it is called the Oasis of the Dry Zone. Mt. Popa is established as the National Park for medicinal herbs, sandalwood plantation and reforestation projects. It can be visited on a day trip from BAGAN or as a brief stop en route to MANDALAY.