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Places to visit » Yangon :: Mandalay :: Bagan :: Inle :: Kyaikhtiyo :: Beach
 
 
  Bagan

Formerly spelled as "pagan"
Established: 11th century AD
Location: Latitude: 21' 10' N, Longitude: 94' 51'E
Temperature: min 10'C - max 43'C

Situated on the left bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River and approximatgely 90 miles (145km) southwest of Mandalay, lies the most magnificient Bagan. It was the capital of the 1st ancient Myanmar Empire. It is a pilgrimage centre and contains ancient Buddhist shrines that have been restored and redecorated and are in current use. Ruins of other shrines and pagodas cover a wide area. The 42 sq km area of Bagan contains over 2,000 edifices, the well-preserved pagodas and temples.


Shwezigon Pagoda

Built by King Anawarahta, founder of the first Myanmar Empire, and finished by King Kyansitthar in A.D 1084; the Shwezigon was held in special reverence by successive kings and became the prototype for later Myanmar pagodas.

Ananda Temple

One of the finest largest and best preserved of the Bagan temples. Built in 1091 by Kyansitthar, the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central square has sides of 53 meters (175 feet) and rises in terraces to a hti 51 meters (168 feet) above the ground. In the centre of the cube were 4 standing Buddhas, each of them 9.5 meters (31 feet) high. Only those facing north and south are original, the east and west facing images are replacements for the figures destroyed by fire.

Thatbyinnyu Pagoda

Located just inside the southeastern corner of the old city wall and tallest temple at almost 200 ft. In a monastery compound slightly southwest of the temple there are stone supports which one held the temple's huge bronze bell.

Bupaya

Situated right on the river bank of the Ayeyarwaddy, has been claimed to be the oldest in Banga, dating back to 3rd century A.D. The shape is extraordinary being in the shape of a gourd. It was completely destroyed when it tumbled into the river in the 1975 earthquake, but has been totally rebuilt. The Bupaya is also a favorite place to watch the sunset.


Sulamani Temple

The Sulamani Guphaya is one of Bagan's premier's temple attrations. 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.

Dhammayangyi Temple

Extending approximately 255 feet on each of its four sides, is Bagan's most massive shrine. It is build in the 12th century, displays the finest brickwork in Bagan. It remains one of the most unique and intriguing constructs on the Bagan plain.

Mingalar Zedi

It was built in A.D 1277. It was completed just ten years before the kingdom's collapsed at the hands of the Mongols.

Htilominlo Temple

Built by King Nadaungm ya in A.D 1211, the 50 meters high Htilominlo is one of the largest temples of Bagan and is noted for its fine plaster carvings. Gubyaukgyi Temple: It is noted for its wall paintings, depicting scenes from the previous lives of the Buddha.

Manuha Temple

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.

Gawdawpalin Temple

It was built during the reign of Narapatisithu A.D 1174 and completed during the regin of his successor, Nadaungmya.

Mahabohdi Temple

It was erected during the reign of Nadaungmya A.D 1211, was modeled after the temple of the same name in Bodhgaya, India. It is a 140 foot high brick and whitewashed stucco structure characterized by a large square pyramidal tower and topped by a conical spire and umbrella.

Dhammayazika Temple

It looks much like the famous Shwezigon, the Dhammayazika is unusual because it has pentagonal terraces instead of the usual square ones. Above the 3 receding terraces, which are ornamented with glazed Jataka plaques rises a bell-shaped dome, which merges directly into a sharply tapering conical finial.

Archaeological Museum

It is now a three storey building built in an octagonal design as the base. The building is fully furnished with Myanmar handicrafts. The ground floor consists of the Main hall, Arts and crafts of Bagan Era, Languages and Literatures, Portraits of the Bagan's society and battle fields, Archaeological Designs. On the first floor, Ancient Pagoda's portraits, Ancient wall, Buddha's artistical designs, Buddha's images. On the top floor, you can see the most scenic view of Bagan and it"s prehistoric pagodas. The Bagan Archaeological Museum is one ot the most important places you should visit while you are in Bagan.

Bagan Lacquerware

Bamboo and wood that are used as frame of base in making lacquerwork are easily and cheaply available around the Bagan area. Lacquer from Thitsi Tree (Melanhorrea Usitata), is applied on the frame, which is native to Southeast Asia.


Bagan Vicinity-Mount Popa

It is seismically an extinct volcanic crater jutting high above the flat plains of Central Myanmar. It offers a steep climb to the top and many pagodas are built. Also believed to be the above of powerful guardian spirits.