BAGAN
Bagan, the most wonderous and main tourist attraction in Myanmar, is in the Central Myanmar, 522 km. North of Yangon. One of the richest archaelogical sites in Asia, it is located on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwaddy River. Across 40 sq.kilometers, there are 2217 ancient stupas, caves and other edifices of 11th-13th centuries in the Bagan Archaeological Zone.
Architecturally two main types of buildings can be classified in Bagan-the solid stupas and hollow temples.
SIGHTSEEING IN BAGAN
ANANDA TEMPLE
Considered the masterpiece of Mon architecture, Ananda Temple is one of the finest, largest and best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. Although Ananda suffered some damage to earthquake in 1975, it has been totally restored. It was built by King Kyanzittha in 1105. The structure of Ananda is that of a simple corridor temple. In the ninches facing the four cordinal points are four 9.5 metre tall teak Buddha images. The base and the terrances are decorated with 554 glazed tiles showing the life stories of the Buddha.
THATBYINNYU TEMPLE
The centre of Bagan is dominated by Thatbyinnyu or the Temple of Omniscience. The tallest building in Bagan at 61 metres. Thatbyinnyu is similar in shape to Ananda. It is built by King Alaungsithu in mid-12th Century.
DAMAYANGYI TEMPLE
Damayangyi Temple built by King Narathu is the most massive of all the Bago temples. Similar to Ananda it was built in 12th century. The building, however. was never completed because Narathu himself was assasinated by the invaders from Sri Lanka.
SHWESANDAW PAGODA
Shwesandaw was erected in 1057 when King Anawrahta’s vitorious return from Thaton. Since the closing of the stairways to the upper terrances of Bagan’s tallest monuments, the upper terrance of Shwesandaw has become a very popular sunset-viewing spot.
KYANZITTHA CAVE
Although named after Kyanzitha, this cave may have been built during the Anawrahta’s time. The dimly lit corriders are decorated with frescoes, some of which may have been painted by Bagan’s Tartar invaders during the period of the Mongol occupation after 1287.
LACQUERWARE
Lacquerware is one of Myanmar traditional ten arts and handicrafts which has been existing in Myanmar for centuries. Lacquerware industry can be found mainly in Bagan. A high quality lacquerware takes several days and several coatings of lacquer. Lacquareware is the most popular purchase in Myanmar and is made into bowls, trays, plates, boxes, containers, cups, vases, tables and other everyday items..
BAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
The central gallery, in the Bagan Archaeological Museum, shows a number of religious images and other fine works found in pagodas and temples around Bagan as well as many terracotta votive tablets from 11th -12th centuries and stones and bronze images.
A big lacquer Buddha outside the museum dates back to 13th century. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
In addition to the above mentioned monuments there are several ruins of all sizes and shapes in Bagan and nearby villages. Some of the more prominent temples and pagodas are - GUBYAUKGYI TEMPLE - with wall paintings; BUPAYA - the early style stupa ; PITAKA TAIK the library ; NATALAUNG KYAUNG - dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, MAHABHODI
modelled after the Indian Temple.etc.
AROUND BAGAN
MOUNT POPA
Mount Popa lies 50km south-east of Bagan.It is an 1500 metres high extinct volcano. It is famous as legendary home of the “Nats” or spirits. The Mt.Popa area is designated as National Park, a perfect place for eco-tourism.
SALE (SA-LAY)
Sale is a small town 15 km South of Bagan. U Pon Nya Museum exhibits antique
lacquerwares, wooden reliefs and Buddha images. The figures carved outside the front of the building alone are worth seeing.
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