BAGAN (City of First Emperor)
Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyi-in)
Close to Wetkyi-in village, 13th century cave temple has an Indian style spire
and famous for its fine stucco (plaster curving) work. To distinguish it from
the temple of the same name in Myinkaba, this monument is sometimes called
Shwegugyi, means Great Golden Cave, built by Alaungsithu in 1311. It is also
notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone slabs in the inner wall
that tell its history, including the fact that its construction took seven and a
Manuha was named after the Mon King from Thaton, who was held captive in Bagan
by Anawrahata. Legend says that Manuha was allowed to build this temple in 1059,
and that he constructed it to represent his displeasure at captivity. Inside the
temple, three seated Buddhas face the front of the building, and in the back
there’s a huge reclining Buddha. All seem too large for their enclosures, and
their cramped, uncomfortable positions are said to represent the stress and lack
of comfort the captive king had to endure.
Sulamani Temple, known as Small Ruby Temple stands beyond Dhammayangyi Temple,
built by King Narapatisithu (1174-1211). The temple features two storeys
standing on broad terraces assembled to create a pyramid effect. On the ground
floor, a vaulted corridor runs around the central pile of solid brickworks.
Buddha images are seated there facing each of the cardinal points. The inner
walls were once decorated with paintings but except for a few patches of ink
painting, no trace of great artistic value remains after years of abandonment.
The brickwork throughout is considered some of the best in Bagan
Gadawtpalin is the temple from the later period of the Bagan realm. Built by
Narapatisithu and finished under Nadaungmya (1211-34). It was severely damaged
during the earthquake of 1975, but was reconstructed in early 1980s. The temple
is similar to the Thatbyinnyu cube shape, with Buddha images on the four sides
of the ground floor, with several refinements.
Bu Pagoda (a gourd shape pagoda), cylindrical Pyu-style stupa is situated right
on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is said to be the oldest temple in
Bagan and was destroyed when it tumbled into the river in the 1975 earthquake,
but has since been totally rebuilt. Bu Paya is one of sunset-viewing spot in
Shwesandaw Pagoda is a graceful circular stupa, built by King Anawrahta after
his conquest of Thaton in 1057. The pagoda bell rises from two octagonal bases,
which top the five square terraces. The upper terrace of Shwesandaw Pagoda is
one of the best places to enjoy sunset amongst the ruins of ancient temples and
pagodas across a vast and plain land.
The Bagan Archaeological Museum is situated within old Bagan city to the South
West closed to the Gadotpalin Pagoda not only grand in a imposing but also
adorned inside and outside with Myanmar decorated art. It makes an interesting
introduction before start exploring the actual sites. The central gallery
contains a large number of religious images and other fine works found in
temples around Bagan, including arts and crafts, stone inscriptions, painting
depicted the social life, Military matters and weapon model of Bagan period in
the respective displayed rooms, paintings of Pagodas, Buddha Images with
different posture of Mudra made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, wood etc. There
is also a small exhibit on the 1975 earthquake. Actually, these entire exhibit
displayed in Bagan Archaeological Museum are witnessing high great the Myanmar
culture standard work.