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Bagan founded as early as in 849 on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy
river about 500 km north of Yangon. Bagan was the capital of
today Myanmar, whose area of dominance had roughly the extent of
the present Burmese state. The 10th century archaeological site
is considered one of the richest and most amazing site in Asia,
comparable to the sites of worldwide importance such as
Jerusalem, and Rome etc. Remain virtually un-known. this once
splendid and glorious capital of the First Myanmar Empire, is
now a 42 square km area dotted with thousands of ancient
pagodas, stupas, shrines, ordination halls and monuments. 
Tharaba Gate

Thatbyinnyu temple
Over 66 meters high, and built by King Alaungsithu in the middle
of the 12th century, this white stucco building overtops all
other monuments as the highest pagoda on the Bagan plain.
Shwegugyi temple
Standing on the high brick plinth, this temple was built by King
Alaungsithu in 1131 AD. The arch pediments, pilasters, plinth
and cornice molding are decorated with fine stucco carvings,
evident of Myanmar architecture of the early 12th Century.
Gawdawpalin temple
This temple was built by King Narapatisithu during the 12th
century. It is about 60 meters high with a fine view over the
ruins of the Bagan plains and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River.
Gubyaukgyi temple (Wetkyi-Inn)
Payathonzu Temple
The name Phayathonzu Temple was given because the three pagodas
of the same size, appearance and height existed on the same
plinth. It is adorned with paintings of the 550 Jataka stories
and ten other depictions plus small Thambuddhay figures. The
frescoes and architecture are guessed to be of the late 13th
century.
Mahabodhi
Temple
The Mahabohdi temple, erected during the reign
of Nadaungmya (r. 1211-1234), is modeled after the temple of the
same name in Bodhgaya, India. It is a 140 foot high brick and
whitewashed stucco structure characterized by a large square
pyramidal tower and topped by a conical spire and umbrella.


Dhammayazika Pagoda
At first glance looking much like the famous Shwezigon, the
Dhammayazika is unusual because it has pentagonal terraces
instead of the usual square ones. Above the three receding
terraces, which are ornamented with glazed Jataka plaques rises
a bell-shaped dome, which merges directly into a sharply
tapering conical finial. On each of the five sides of the pagoda
there is a small temple. The temples themselves are of the usual
form, square in plan, with a porch for entrance, and surmounted
by terraces and a curvilinear spire.

Archaeological Museum
The museum run by Archaeological Department is situated near the
Gawdawpalin Temple. It has a collection of more than 2,000 items
including Buddha statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta cups and
pots. Open daily except Monday and public holidays.

Ten years
later, he had to run away from Bagan to escape the invading
Mongols.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
King Anawrahta built this graceful stupa. The pagoda bell rises
from two octagonal bases, which top the five square terraces.
The upper terrace of Shwesandaw Pagoda has become a popular
sunset-viewing spot.

Sulamani Temple
The Sulamani (occasionally Sulamuni) Guphaya, or Pahto, is one
of Bagan's premier temple attractions. The name itself means
Crowning Jewel or Small Ruby. It was the first and most
important temple of the late period (1170-1300) of Bagan
monument building. It was one of many temples and stupas built
by Narapatisithu. This temple is similar to Htilominlo and the
Gawdawpalin in architecture but with better interior lighting.
It stands beyond the Dhammayangyi Temple. Important features of
the Sulamani include its fine brickwork and use of stone in both
load-bearing areas as well as on vulnerable external corner
elements. The interior was once painted with fine frescoes but
only dim traces can be seen today.
verge of Nirvana and release
from the transitory World.
Nagayon Temple
A portico in the north, paved with green glazed stones and
having niches holding stone reliefs of the Buddha, provides
access to the Nagayon. Within the temple itself, the central
shrine contains a huge standing image of the Buddha. Two smaller
images flank the main one. A corridor, also paved with green
glazed stones, runs around the central shrine. Dim light comes
in through the perforated windows of the outer walls. The walls
of the corridor have niches holding stone sculptures depicting
the Buddhas previous to Gotama, as well as paintings showing
scenes from the Jatakas and the Final Life of Gotama Buddha.
Salay
A town in Magwe Division in Central Myanmar, lying on the east
bank of the Ayeyaerwaddy River is famous for three things; first
it is the birthplace of a reputed Myanmar playwright named U
Ponnya of the late Konbaung Period; secondly the plums of Salei
which are seedless and of good quality and thirdly there is the
largest Buddha Image of Laquered wicker work in Myanmar. The
18-foot high image is now entirely gilt and its headband is
adorned with glass mosaic, it bears the appearance of a solid
metallic work though two or three persons can effortlessly lift
it up.
Nats (Spirit) 
Although Buddhism has been the established religion in Burma,
spirit worship or animism is also practiced. Ghosts and demons
have never really been seen but that is no reason not to
believe! The Burmese spirit world has thirty-seven Nats, many of
them are the spirits of those heroes who have been killed. There
are Nats of the house, the river, the air and the jungle. Ritual
dancing assisted by drinking a locally made, high alcohol
content spirit, leads to a trance-like state, when contact can
be made with the supernatural. The lady in the yellow dress has
just reached this stage. Offerings to the Nats include fruit, an
arrangement typically of a fresh green coconut and some bananas,
and flowers. Though this is 21st century, people still refer to
various Nats over advantage of being good luck in business,
health and so fourth.
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