Gadawtpalin Temple
Gadawtpalin Temple is located about 3 miles south
of the Bu Pagoda on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy
River. It is about 180 feet high and the structure
is common like the Sulamani temple.
History
The Gadawtpalin Temple was built by King
Narapatisithu after building the Sulamani Temple.
But the king did not complete the construction. It
was completed by his son Htilominlo.
There is a story saying that King Narapatisithu
became so powerful and so proud that he proclaimed
that his powers were more glorious accomplished
matched to his ancestors. Just after that, he became
blind until he came to give his regards and his
forebears made, paid obeisance in atonement for his
misdemeanor. As a punishment for his sin his eyes
turned blind. At the advice of the Brahmen
astrologers at the court, the king made idols of his ancestors and placed them on the thrones. The King
worshipped them asking forgiveness for his sin. He
regained his sight. On the place where this ceremony
took place was built Gawdaw-palin Pagoda. The name
Gawdaw-palin literally means "the throne which was
worshipped."
Gadawtpalin is counted as one of the largest
shrines of Bagan. The temple is a double-storeyed
temple in the late style. It is square in plan, with
porticoes on all four sides, but with the eastern
portico projecting further than the others. In the
ground storey, a vaulted corridor runs around a
central block against whose four sides are placed
images of the Buddha.
Inside the Pagoda
There are four Buddha images on the upper storey
and 10 Buddha images in the ground floor. At the,
north-east corner of the brick platform there is a
stone image of sitting Buddha in a house. It is an
original artwork. Due to lime wash by the devotees
of later period frescoes are visible only very
faintly. At the south-east corner of the precinct is
an octagonal Pagoda with two bell posts and at the
north-east corner is a zedi of later period.
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Nearby Attractions
Thatbyinnyu Temple
On the west of the Gadawtpalin
lies the great Thatbyinnyu Temple.
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