Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ananda Pahto
Not only is it an outstanding example of Bagan temple architecture, Ananda is rich
in decorative detail, including the four standing wooden images of Buddha, the life
of Buddha is depicted in niche carvings and the Jataka series tiles.
Nagayon
This is the last restoration project that Unesco was involved in and was built in the
same period as Ananda. Look for the 28 images of Buddha under the main sculp-
ture.
Abeyadana Pahto
This is my personal favourite - inside you can see 550 Jataka mural paintings and
various Hindu deities paying homage to Buddha.
Gubyaukgyi
Famous for its frescoes, this is one of the last temples built in the 11th century -
apart from life-of-Buddha illustrations, you can see scenes from four Buddhist syn-
ods held in ancient times.
Lawkahteikpan Pahto
Also very important for its frescoes, including eight great miracles of Buddha's life.
You can read the Jataka scenes as a complete story. You start to see a distinct My-
anmar style emerge here from the Mon influence.
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North Plain
The bulk of Bagan temples are scattered across the vast northern plain between Nyaung
U, Old Bagan and New Bagan. This broad area runs between the Old Bagan walls and
Nyaung U, and (mostly) between the two roads that connect the two. Sights are ordered
(more or less) west to east.
Ananda Pahto
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
With its shimmering gold, 170ft (51m)-high, corncob
hti
shimmering across the plains,
Ananda is one of the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of all Bagan
temples. Thought to have been built between 1090 and 1105 by King Kyanzittha, this
