“Starflower monastery?” Did I hear that correctly? Welcome to Bagaya Monastery. This is a truly special place. Bagaya Monastery is not just a building. It is a window into Myanmar’s soul.
Bagaya Monastery sits in Inwa near Mandalay. It is also known as Maha Waiyan Bontha Bagaya Monastery. The Bagaya Monastery’s story began in 1593. This was about 11 miles from today’s Mandalay. Maha Thiri Zeya Thinkhaya built it. He was the town officer of Magwe. He dedicated it to Shin Dhammabhinanda.
King Hsinbyushin reigned from 1763 to 1776. This monastery is a key attraction in Burma. Bagaya gets its name from the Mon language. Phea Kao Kih means starflower monastery.
The original Bagaya Monastery was made of teak wood. A massive fire swept through on April 15, 1821. It was during King Bagyidaw’s rule. Many buildings burned including Bagaya Monastery. The government tried to rebuild it in 1992. They built a new brick structure. This was for Buddha images and scriptures. It was built like the old monastery.
Look at the architecture. The Bagaya Monastery has a seven-tiered spire. Notice the Dhanu and Bhawga halls. Eight brick stairways lead up. The monastery has 267 teak posts. The Bagaya Monastery is huge. It is 188 feet long and 103 feet wide.
See the carvings. Floral designs adorn the monastery. Curved figures decorate the walls. Reliefs of birds and animals are everywhere. Small pillars add detail to the walls. This is art from the Inwa Era.
In 2016 something special happened. The abbot of Bagaya Monastery made a request. He asked for the palm-leaf manuscripts to be moved. The National Library of Myanmar would preserve them. In 2018, the National Library digitized the manuscripts. This was with help from the Pali Text Society.
The Bagaya Monastery stands in paddy fields. Palms and banana trees surround it. Thorny bushes cluster at its base. The weathered teak tells a story. The magnificent Bagaya Monastery is a testament to time. It is a place of history and beauty. Take a moment to appreciate its charm. Bagaya Monastery offers a glimpse into Myanmar’s past. It’s a memory that will last long after you leave.