Bagan Temples & Pagodas

Bagan Temples
The Many Pagodas of Bagan
Photo by: ZaNuDa, Stock.xchng

Bagan is a plain that covers an area of about 16 squares miles alongside the Ayeyarwaddy’s east bank. The temples and Pagodas of Bagan that are now decaying were constructed mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries A.D., which was during the time that Bagan was the seat of the Myanmar Dynasty. Local chronicles have carried tradition that says that 55 kings ruled over the Bagan Kingdom over the span of twelve centuries.

The Bagan temples are known as “gu” and were inspired by the Buddhist rock caves. These were big multi-story buildings that people could enter and were places where people went to worship. The interiors have richly frescoed corridors and sacred images and shrines that used to be worshiped. The temples are often massively built oblong or square structures with terraces on the outside to represent Mount Meru, which was a symbolic home for the gods. The Bagan temples were also surrounded by a thick wall so that it would separate the sacred realm from the world outside.

The pagodas of Bagan are funerary monuments that have acquired a Buddhism cosmic symbolism. The Bagan pagodas also contain relics that are associated with Buddha. Some of the monuments were constructed in honor of a notable person. These structures are built in the shape of a bell that is set on an octagonal or square base. They usually travel up to a tapering peak covered with jewels and metal, with a sacred decoration shaped like a parasol called a “hti” on the top.

Pictures & Photos

18 responses to “Bagan Temples & Pagodas”

  1. Panyaloka says:

    really very very beautiful

  2. Zu Zu says:

    Das ist wunder schön…!Tolle fotos…!

  3. Hein says:

    Beautiful.

  4. sanda says:

    this is historical site.

  5. Kris says:

    i feel like making love

  6. ramesh says:

    very very nice view of Bagan

  7. han says:

    i love Bagan

  8. Nge Lay says:

    very nice photos!!!

  9. Makiko Shimitsu says:

    luv the photos :)) <3 <3

  10. suleimaung says:

    I love Bagan , I love Myanmar.

  11. Tahm Todai Biktu says:

    As I am the mountain, the mountain is the temple, I am the temple, the beauty and range is eternal and now..

  12. Aung Ko Win says:

    I absolutely love Bagan and try to visit my pleasure time.

  13. Hugh G Rection says:

    You know for pacifists, those monks do carry around huge spears.

  14. Moh Moh says:

    I really like this. I want to go to the Bagan & discuss the Pagoda History. And then i wanna know the Dhamanyangyi Pagoda.

  15. Kai Chongloi says:

    Magical place! Superb pics!

  16. Monedye says:

    Amazing Great BAGAN and honoured to be a Myanmar !!

  17. Pearl says:

    I ‘m proud of Bagan is including in 100 of world Wonders & love Bagan too as a Myanmar !!!

  18. Soe Thiha says:

    Bagan… always feel like home… interesting, exciting, persuading… so proud of being Burmese!!

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