Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
locked. At one end stands an original stone figure of Thagyamin, king of the
nat
and a
direct appropriation of the Hindu god Indra. This is the oldest known freestanding
Thagyamin figure in Myanmar.
The site was started by Anawrahta but not completed until the reign of Kyanzittha.
The latter is thought to have built his palace nearby.
A path on the north side leads down to the riverbank, where you can get some interest-
ing views.
Kyanzittha Umin
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Although officially credited to Kyanzittha, this cave temple may actually date back to
Anawrahta. Built into a cliff face 270yd (250m) southwest of Shwezigon, the long, dimly
lit corridors are decorated with frescoes, some of which are thought to have been painted
by Bagan's Tartar invaders during the period of the Mongol occupation after 1287. An at-
tendant will usually greet you with keys to unlock the doors and a torch to lend.
It's very quiet in here, and you can actually see the 700-year-old brush strokes.
