Bagan, the City of four million Pagodas, is a small town 190 Km south of Mandalay. It is situated on the eastern bank of Majestic Ayeyawaddy (Irrawaddy) River, and the single place to see more than 2200 religious edifices within the area of 48 Sq-Km. Bagan can be considered the birthplace of Myanmar culture and the center of Buddhist learning.
Considered by most to be the surviving masterpiece of Mon architecture, the temple was completed in 1091. Inspired by a tale, King Kyanzittha ordered a construction of the temple. Four large vestibules surround the central structure. And the entire structure is a shape of a Greek cross.
Initiated by King Anawrahta, the pagoda was built as the most important reliquary shrine in Bagan. The King managed to gather several pieces of relics and ordered the pagoda built to house the relics. The pagoda is a center for pilgrimage during the month of Nadaw.
Built by King of Thaton in fear of being turned into a slave. The captive king traded his jewels in order to have the temple built. Within the cramped space of the temple, there are 4 enormous Buddha images.
