Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
With a torch, you can make out many figures that Abeyadana, believed to be a Mahay-
anist, would likely have asked for: Bodhisattvas such as Avalokitesvara, and Hindu deit-
ies Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Indra. The inner shrine contains a large, brick, seated
buddha (partly restored); surrounding walls are lined with niches, most now empty. In-
side the front wall are many Jataka scenes.
Some visitors enjoy the sunset at the often-overlooked Kyasin across the road.
Nagayon BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MAP
Slightly south of Abeyadana and across the road, this elegant and well-preserved temple
was built by Kyanzittha. The main buddha image is twice life size and shelters under the
hood of a huge naga (dragon serpent). This reflects the legend that in 1192 Kyanzittha
built the temple on the spot where he was sheltered while fleeing from his angry brother
and pre-decessor Sawlu, an activity he had to indulge in on more than one occasion.
Paintings also decorate the corridor walls. The central shrine has two smaller standing
buddhas as well as the large one. The temple itself - with corncob sikhara , which some
believe to be the Ananda proto-type - can be climbed via tight stairs.
Somingyi Kyaung BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MAP
Named after the woman who supposedly sponsored its construction, this typical late-
Bagan brick monastery (about 650ft or 200m southwest of Nagayon) is thought to have
been built in 1204. A zedi to the north and gu to the south are also ascribed to Somingyi.
Many brick monasteries in Bagan were single-block structures; Somingyi is unique in
that it has monastic cells clustered around a courtyard.
THREE TEMPLES BY THE AYEYARWADY
From Nyaung U's jetty you can negotiate a fun boat trip to see three temples just
off the Ayeyarwady riverbank. Half a mile, or nearly 1km, north is 13th-century
Thetkyamuni , with a few murals inside (hard to make out) and tight, dark steps
leading up to a small terrace up top. On the hill nearby is the same-era Kondawgyi
Pahto , with better preserved murals and views from the surrounding platform.
Another half a mile or so north is the 11th- and 12th-century Kyauk Gu Ohnmin
cave temple, built in the side of a ravine. It's said during WWII Japanese soldiers hid
out here. The inside tunnels lead to blocked-off rubble. Some locals say the tunnel
 
 
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