Nagayon Temple
The Nagayon Temple is located in the southern
part of Myinkaba. In the south of Myinkaba, Nagayon,
was built at the end of the 11th century by
Kyansitthar, according to the plan of Ananda; even
roof, same terraces, very stupas, even Sikkhara. Of
Mτn style, it resembles the Indian temples of the
area of Orissa.
Structure
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.
One penetrates by the principal entry which is
located at North in a rather dark hall. The
dιambulatoire even is enlightened for him only by 5
windows with stucturιes openings and limiting itself
to some rays of light. The dιambulatoire is equipped
with many niches where were images of Buddhas - alas
empty the majority today.
Inside the temple
In fact of the niches for the 27 Buddhas which
preceded the historical Buddha Gautama, the 28.
Paintings which decorate the dιambulatoire are of
different invoice feed most beautiful are
characteristic of the period of Kyansitthar. Inside
the temple, the main Buddha image is twice life size
and shelters under the hood of a huge naga, or
serpent. The outer, dark corridor has many niches
with images of the earlier Buddhas. Paintings also
decorate the corridor walls. The central shrine has
two smaller standing Buddhas as well as the large
one. The small ruined stupa of Pawdawmu Paya is
located nearby.
Nearby Attractions
Abeyadanar
This Pagoda built by King Kyanzittha in adoration
for his wife contains a seated brick Buddha that has
now been mostly covered concrete. However the true
attraction lies in the stunning paintings that cover
the inner walls, most representing images from
Mahayana Buddhism, such as Brahma, Indra and Vishnu.
More>>
Soemingyi Monastery
The monasteries where built both with brick and
wood, but it is only the brick monasteries-called
kalakyaung or "Indian monasteries" - which have
survived. Square in plan, it has a vestibule on the
eastern side and a double-storeyed sanctum on the
western side. There is a central hall, with cells
ranged along its northern and southern sides. A
staircase in the southeastern corner leads to roof,
which was of wood and probably flat.
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