Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
32
Tayok Pye Paya
D4
33
Thambula Pahto
E4
34
Tharabar Gate
B3
35
Thatbyinnyu Pahto
B4
36
Upali Thein
C3
37
Wetkyi-In-Gubyaukgyi
D2
Gawdawpalin Pahto
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Standing 197ft (60m)tall, Gawdawpalin is one of the largest and most imposing Bagan
temples, although by no means the most inspiring, with its modernised altar and tile
floors inside. Built during the reign of Narapatisithu and finished under that of Nan-
taungmya, it's considered the crowning achievement of the late Bagan period. Its name
means 'Platform to which Homage is Paid'. The stairs to the top terrace are closed to vis-
itors.
The most recent homage was its heavy-duty reconstruction following terrific damage
sustained in the 1975 earthquake, as it stands near the site of the quake's epicentre.
Mimalaung Kyaung
MONASTERY
A nice set of
chinthe
(half-lion/half-dragon deity) guards the stairway leading up this
small, square monastery platform, constructed in 1174 by Narapatisithu. It's about 650ft
(200m)south of Gawdawpalin, on the other side of the road. In front of the monastery is a
brick-and-stucco Tripitaka library next to a large acacia tree. Atop the steps, a tiered roof
(with a newer gold-capped
hti,
an umbrella-like decorated pinnacle) contains a large sit-
ting buddha.
Archaeologists discovered an intricately carved 2.5inch (6cm) votive tablet here that
contained 78 sculpted figures.
Pahtothamya
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
On the dirt road 500ft (150m)east towards the dominating Thatbyinnyu, the Pahtothamya
(or Thamya Pahto) was probably built during the reign of Kyanzittha, around the turn of
the 12th century, although it is popularly held to be one of five temples built by the little-
known king Taunghthugyi (aka Sawrahan; r 931-64). In its prominent vertical super-
