Did you know that Thatbyinnyu Temple is the tallest in Bagan? It rises 61 meters high. Locals call it the omniscience of the Buddha.
Welcome to Thatbyinnyu Temple. It was built in 1144. King Alaungsithu ordered its construction. The temple is a major complex. It has seven terraces. They all face east.
Inside Thatbyinnyu Temple, discover vaulted corridors. See the four-terraced stupas. There is a monastery. Find also a library.
Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. This lasted from the 9th to 13th centuries. Kings and wealthy subjects built over 10000 religious monuments. This happened over 250 years. The area spans 104 square kilometers.
Thatbyinnyu Temple is visible from the Bagan plains. It towers over other monuments. The temple is magnificent.
Bagan’s architecture is impressive. It influenced Burmese temple design. Pagodas prove Myanmar craftsmen’s skills. Temples fall into two categories. There are stupa-style solid temples. Then, there are gu-style hollow temples.
Stupas are massive structures. They typically hold a relic chamber. Bagan stupas evolved from Pyu designs. These were based on Andhra region designs.
Originally, stupas had a hemispheric body. A rectangular box surrounded it. This had a stone balustrade. A shaft supported ceremonial umbrellas. The stupa symbolized Mount Meru. The umbrella represented the world’s axis.
The design changed over time. Stupas became cylindrical. By the 11th century, they were bell-shaped. Parasols morphed into rings. A lotus bud replaced the harmika.
Hollow temples are for meditation. They are also for devotional worship. Gu temples have two styles. One-face has one main entrance. Four-face has four main entrances. Temples became larger in Bagan. They featured pointed arches. Vaulted chambers were also common.
Vaulting techniques developed in Bagan. The earliest vaulted temples date to the 11th century. Masonry shows perfection. Many structures survived the 1975 earthquake.
Bagan’s economy relies on tourism. The city has international hotels. Family guesthouses also exist. Bagan is the center of lacquerware. This industry depends on tourists.
Thatbyinnyu Temple stands as a testament. It shows Bagan’s rich history. Its architectural details reflect devotion. Its towering height inspires awe.