Dhammayangyi Temple
Dhammayangyi Temple is one, among the four
significant monuments of Bagan. Dhammayangyi Temple
is the most massive structure in Bagan which has a
similar architectural plan to Ananda Temple.
It was built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was
also known as Kalagya Min, the 'king killed by
Indians'. The temple is located about a kilometer to
the southeast of the city walls directing Minnanthu.
History
 After murdering his own king father, Narathu
ascended the throne of Bagan and due to that, he
built this temple. It is said that Narathu oversaw
the construction himself and that masons were
excecuted if a needle could be pushed between bricks
they had laid. But he never completed the
construction because he was assassinated before the
completion. It was said that he was displeased by
the Hindu rituals and one of them who made those
rituals was the Indian princess who was the daughter
of Pateikkaya. So he executed her for such reasons.
The princess's father wanted revenge for his
innocent daughter and sent 8 officers in the
disguise of Brahmans and assassinated Narathu in
this very temple. `
Structure
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The interior floor plan of the temple includes
two ambulatories. Almost all the entire innermost
passage, however, was intentionally filled with
brick rubble centuries ago. Three out of the four
Buddha sanctums were also filled with bricks. The
remaining western shrine features two original
side-by-side images of Gautama and Maitreya, the
historical and future Buddhas. The interlocking,
mortarless brickwork at Dhammayangyi, best
appreciated on the upper terraces, is said to rank
as the finest in Bagan. Unfortunately the highest
terraces and hidden stairways leading to them are
now off limits to visitors.
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Nearby Attractions
Shwesandaw Pagoda
Shwesandaw Pagoda lies to the
west of the Dhammayangyi Temple.
More >>
Sulamani Temple
Sulamani Temple lies to the east
of the Dhammayangyi in the Minnanthu region.
More >>
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