Bagan Temples

Across the spectacular plain of Bagan - 40 sq km - you may find nearly 4000 of 800-year old temple ruins. These buildings are mainly stupas = zedis and hollow temples or shrines = pathos.
The zedhi usually contains a relic from Buddha, it may be a hair, a tooth, a bone, ... while a pathos is hollow, square with windows, interially dimly lit, containing statues and images
In 1975, Bagan was shaken by a powerful earthquake, badly damaging the temples. But reconstruction has been started almost immediately with the help of local artisans and engeneers of the UNESCO.

Early Bagan style architecture
Although this temple was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1975, it has been totally restored and it is now again, one of the best preserved, finest and largest temples in Bagan.
It has been built in 1105 by king Kyanzittha and it measures 53 x 53 by 51 m high. Inside are four of solid teak 9,5 m standing Buddhas, facing outwards from the center.
The base and the terraces are decorated  with 554 glazed tiles, showing life stories of Buddha.

Bagan's Middle Period
Built around 1150 by Alaungsithu.
The structure rises up to 61m and consists of 2 huge cubic buildings
with 3 diminishing terraces between them. Topped with an idian style spire.

Late Bagan Period
Modelled after the famous Mahabodhi Temple in India.
It was built by Nantaungmya in 1211 - 1234.
The pyramidal spire is covered with many hundred niches, which enclose seated Buddha figures.
This monument commemorates the place, where Buddha attained enlightment

Also built by king Nantaungmya in 1218.
Inside this 46m high temple are
4 Buddhas on the lower and upper floor.
Traces of old murals can be seen.
 Doorways with carved reliefs

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