One of the most remarkable archeological sites in Asia, if not the world, the Magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years. One the center of a glorious kingdom, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Having over 4000 monuments scattered on an area of about 16 square miles, it is regarded as the birth-place of Buddhism and the richest archaeological zone in Asia. The buildings in Bagan shed light on the nature of “Similarity in diversity” and “Diversity in similarity”. Bagan should be studied art and architecture together with mural painting as in one combination.
It is the proto-type and an ideal model of later stupas in Myanmar as having much of the essential features then proportionate in pyramidal structure. It is also one of the stone buildings. Next to the main stupa, a set of traditional spirit figures, a wooden door-leaf with wood-carving, a small lithic-house with mural paintings should be enjoyed.
In spite of the small size, the temple reveals a richly modulated piece of architecture creating sumptuous dignity and beauty. Some of the paintings portrayed the history of Sir Lanka and King Asoka of India.
It is one of the four stone buildings in Bagan-Nyaung U and known for its excellent stone carving, like a grand castle amid the forest area.
It is a medium size temple with a spire resembling to the Mahabodhi in India and the interest lies in the fine frescoes narrating scenery from the Jatakas painted on the interior walls.
It is one of the greater and double story temples adorned with fine plaster carving on arch pediments, frieze and pilasters. One curious thing is that a number of horoscopes is seen among the weathered mural paintings.
It is a structure of fine proportions with a double layer of battlements in simulation of wooden architecture and surmounted by a small, slim pagoda at the center of the roof.
Together with the prettiest ground plan in a perfect Greek Cross, the central cube is encircled by such a double immense walls and surmounted by successively diminishing terraces ending at square tower with spire in the form of a mitre-like pyramid. It is highly regarded as the loftiest temple.
Known as the most massive building, most of the arches and major portion of the structure still reveal pretty sound like an effective defensive fort while all the entrances and intersected passages to the inner corridor are completely blocked for an unknown reason but the finest brick bondage system could be seen on this temple and enclosure walls.
This is the main gate of eastern city wall and the only structure left in situ, on the old city. Traces of finely executive stucco carvings on the frieze are still still visible on the exterior walls.
The temple consists of a square basement surmounted by a square tower with curvilinear roofs resting on terraces. The impressive treasures of it would be mural paintings in the central sanctum, ambulatory path around and in the vestibule then perforated stone windows incised with geometrical designs of fine proportions.
Bestowed upon stone facing, it is one of 4 stone buildings in Bagan. The pillars in the sanctum are finely executed with triangular floral designs and the figures of the Brahma holding lotus flowers at one hand with Kalasa pot in profile, stucco scroll works having brahmany duck within, kirtimukha on the exterior wall.
It is an elegant temple structure with a projecting hall facing the north and the external form represent the lotty Ananda. The mural paints are still attractive.
It is a larger temple and harmoniously composed by small block on the large one and each is crowned by terraces adorned with battemented parapets and small stupas at every corner. The stucco is finely executed and carving exquisitely delicate while the frescoes on the interior walls cover different ages of Bagan, late Inn and Konbaung so on.
Roughly in Shwezigon type of solid stupa, its design is unusual in pentagonal ground plan and really elaborate whilst the three lower terraces are embellished with terracotta plaques illustrating the Jataka stories.
It was erected by King Nadaungmya (1210-1234 A.D) and unlike other in Bagan, is a tall, obelisk stupa which is the only specimen of its kind and well covered with niches bearing seated Buddhas and interspersed with ornamental panels and moldings.
It is a double-story temple surmounted by a sikhara. The walls are filled with fresco paintings and instead of terracotta tiles, it is beautifully adorned with pieces of sand-stone glazed in green color.
Three distinct square buildings incorporate a triad temple by means of narrow lateral passages leading from one building to another. The Parathonzu Temple is much more similar to the ground-plans of the East Zegu Temple and Shweyoungbingon Temple at Srikshetra Pyu city. The mural paintings cover entirely on the walls of eastern-most temple, half on the central one. All the paintings are closely resembled to Northern Indian style.
In comparison with the small size of the temple, the interior walls of the temple, are completely covered with so impressive mural paintings. We cannot deny to the fact that there are Tantric paintings. But, most of the paintings of Nanadamannya are obviously representing Theravada Buddhism.
Best known as “The Oasis of the Dry Zone” based on its enriched green forests and lush trees together with a lot of natural water sources, it is a real picnic spot sharing real refreshment and relaxation for weary eyes and fatigue mind on countless temples and stupas at draught circa. A variety of beautiful butterflies, wild birds and colorful flowers could be enjoyed, but mind one thing that a vast army of monkeys is loitered you on the way up the mountain peak.
Salay where you can observe Yoke Sone Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden monastery hall bearing the original 120 years old sculptures, which include nearly three dimensional carving of 10th century court life, Jatakas and Ramayana Tales.
It is the oldest existing monastery built entirely with teak wood. It has 154 teak posts and decorated with beautiful wood carvings.
