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Bagan
The world Heritage
site of Bagan is the wonder of wonders in the “Golden Land”. This
enchanting city is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy river
about 193km. South-west of Mandalay. Bagan Dynasty lasted from 819AD to
1287 AD. King Anawrahta unified the whole country and founded the first
Myanmar Empire. As a former centre of Buddhist spirituality and learning,
Bagan ranks among the great sites in India and Tibet. As a manifestation
of a dynamic and original form of architecture, Bagan stands alongside the
other great Buddhist centre of Southeast Asia, like Angkor wat in Cambodia
or Borobudur in Java. The ruins of the ancient capital cover an area of
42sqkm containing over 2000 well-preserved pagodas and temples of the
11th-13th century. In its place is calmness and peace, and a vision of
wonder at how man was capable of creating such a vast city of spiriture
monuments.
Attractions in Bagan are
Shwezigon Pagoda
: It was first built by King Anawrahta and completed by King Kyansitha
in 1087. This pagoda is the prototype for later Myanmar Pagodas.
Ananda
Temple : The Ananda Temple built after the Shwezigon in 1090 is the
masterpiece of the early style temple architecture. There are four huge
Buddha images in the standing position and eighty relics depicting the
life of the Buddha from his birth to his Enlightment.
Thatbyinnyu Temple : This Temple was built by King Alongsithu in the middle of 12th century. It is the Bagan highest pagoda.
Damayangyi Temple : Bagan most massive temple. The temple was built by King Narathu in 1167. Damayangyi a colossal brick pyremid, was not finished but it displayed the finest brick work.
Gubyaukgyi Temple
: This early 13th century temple displays a strong influence of India
culture. Inside with rich schemes of wall painting and 28 Buddha images in
sitting position.
Places of interest in Bagan are : Shwegugyi Temple, Gawdawpalin Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Bupaya Pagoda, Sulamani Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Lawkananda Pagoda, Sarabha Gate, BaganMuseum and Nyuang Oo Market.
Mount Popa : About
60km south-east of Bagan. A 1500 metre high extinct volcano, with pagodas
and shrines covering the whole peak of a perpendicular rock formation. It
is also best known as the Land of Nats or Spirit
Gods.
