This sixteen square miles in central Myanmar, containing more than 2000 temples and pagaodas, is truly one of the world's architectural and cultural treasures. Bagan, or Pagan as it was sometimes known, stood as the capital of Myanmar from 1044 to 1287 A.D. Founded as a kingdom by Anawrahta in 1044, Bagan became the seat of cultural and religious influence for the entire area the world now knows as Myanmar. Bagan under Anawrahta was the source of the school of Buddhism practiced in the country today, and was also the source of the writing system still in use. While a major tourist attraction both for Myanmars and foreigners, the area is so vast and the structures so plentiful that visitors often feel as if they have the whole place to themselves.
The first temples were begun shortly after Anawrahta established himself as the area's ruler. Legend has it that Anawrahta, who had slain his half brother in a duel, was visited in a dream by Thagyamin, the king of spirits. Thagyamin told Anawrahta that he could assuage his sense of sorrow and guilt by building numerous pagodas and temples. Anawrahta heeded this advice, and by commissioning the construction of the Shwezigon pagoda, he began the area's grand collection of religious monuments. Over the next few centuries, succeeding rulers added their own temples and pagodas, the results of which stand today as a testament to those who came before.
Visitors will note the relative absence of trees in the area. Some scholars suggest that the reason for this is that the former forests were cut down to supply the fuel to bake the tens of millions of bricks used in the temples' construction, an action which may even have altered the region's environment. Bagan today experiences some of the country's most extreme weather conditions, with summer temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). The peak season for visiting is after the rainy season ends in late September, and before the hot season begins in late March. The area is worth visiting any time of the year, however, and there is an abundance of guesthouses and bungaloes offering easy access to the temple area. Arrangements at any time of the year can be made through a number of travel agencies in Yangon.
This is Page 1 of Burma Partners Bagan picture portfolio. Click here to go to Page 2.
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A Buddha image lends a peaceful atmosphere to the inside of Sulamani Pagoda |
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Capturing the scope of Bagan is difficult. This wide angle view gives some idea of the number and density of the area's structures. |
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The stupa of Shwe San Daw Pagoda |
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Head on view of Dammayangyi temple |
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Long offering spiritual refuge, the corridors of Dammayangyi temple also offer physical refuge from Bagan's severe hot season. |
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A young shepherd woman strolling home for the day offers a typical Myanmar greeting |
