Bagan Temples

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There are two enormous ancient temple complexes in Southeast Asia: Bagan in Burma and Angkor in Cambodia. Both sites are remarkable for their expanse of sacred geography and the number and size of their individual temples. For many visitors Bagan is the more extraordinary because of its wonderful views. Scattered across a vast dusty plain may be seen scores of exotic Buddhist temples. The kingdoms of Bagan date to the early 2nd century AD, yet the region entered its golden age during the reign of King Anawrahta in 1057 AD. From this time, until it was overrun by Kublai Khan's forces in 1287 AD, more than 13,000 temples, pagodas and other religious structures were built. Today, seven centuries later, approximately 2,200 temples remain standing. The river Irrawaddy has washed away nearly one-third of the original city area, thieves have torn apart many temples in search of treasures, while earthquakes and the ravages of time have reduced hundreds of other temples to piles of crumbling stones. Two of the loveliest temples are the Mahabodhi and Gawdawpalin. The Mahabodhi, a smaller replica of the famous Bodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, India (where the Buddha attained enlightenment), was built during the 13th century reign of King Nantaungmya and is covered with niches containing seated Buddha figures. The 60 meter tall Gawdawpalin temple, built in the 12th century by King Narapatisithu, was badly damaged in a 1975 earthquake but has since been reconstructed. Many of the temples of Bagan are still functioning and large numbers of pilgrims visit the ancient holy place.

Photos: Mahabodhi temple, Bagan, Burma

Gawdawpalin temple, Bagan, Burma

Sacred Sites Information on the Bagan Temples

2 / 5 Review by expert member Martin Gray

‘Bagan on bikes’

The temples at Bagan - getting quite toursity but still great to take out bikes in the early morning and explore the temples, roving over the sandy lanes ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by member Jack Davies