“Rolled leaves” they called it. That’s what Petleik means. Look at Ashe Petleik Pagoda. Do you see the resemblance? The dome and finial really do look like ancient gold leaf earrings.
Ashe Petleik Pagoda. One of two twin pagodas. Built by King Anawrahta in the 11th century. This grand structure stands as a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Bagan. It’s part of the legacy of the Bagan period. A time when thousands of temples and monuments were built.
From the outside Ashe Petleik looks weathered. The brickwork shows the effects of time. Yet inside a treasure awaits. Imagine hundreds of unglazed terracotta tiles. They line the vaulted corridors. These tiles depict scenes from the Jataka tales. Stories of the Buddha’s past lives. Many are missing. Many are broken. But those that remain offer glimpses into the past. A reminder of the craftsmanship and devotion of artisans centuries ago.
The pagoda’s structure is quite unusual. It wasn’t built on solid ground. Instead the foundation is made of vaulted corridors. A clever and unexpected architectural choice. Ashe Petleik also has a box-like relic chamber. It sits where a bowl-shaped disc would usually be found in similar pagodas.
In 1905 archaeologists uncovered Ashe Petleik and its twin. They were buried under debris. The discovery revealed the hidden beauty of these unglazed terracotta tiles. A true hidden marvel. They carefully placed the tiles back in their original positions. They built new roofs to protect them.
Today Ashe Petleik Pagoda stands as a symbol. It shows the resilience of Myanmar’s heritage. It whispers stories of kings and artisans. It shows the enduring power of faith. Step inside. Let the quiet grandeur of the statues speak to you. Let the faded scenes on the tiles transport you back in time. This is Ashe Petleik. A place where history and artistry intertwine. A place of quiet contemplation and wonder.