Ananda Temple, Bagan

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This solid teak wood standing Buddha image ( one of the two originals images of the temple), is facing north. After passing the main entrance, the fisrt view is this huge image of 31 ft constructed in the Bagan style, displaying the Dhammachakka Mudra ( a hand position that simbolizes the teachings of Lord Buddha in his first sermon).

A close detail of the one of the original Buddha of the temple, made of solid teak wood. It´s standing facing south. displaying the Dhammachakka Mudra a position symbolising the Buddha's first sermon.

The outside of the temple is also very interesting, with ponds and glazed tile decoration, good views of the gilded bell shaped tower. Here is a detail of the temple bells located near the main entrance.

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The base and the terraces of the temple are decorated with glazed tiles depicting Jakata (birth-stories, of which there are 547, are tales told by the Buddha of his previous births as bird, animal, man) scenes. There are also some beautiful wood carvings and small Buddha images all over the walls of the temple.

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One of the four most revered temples of Bagan, Ananda was built between 1090 and 1100 by King Kyanzittha in the stilistic style of the early Bagan period. This perfectly proportioned construction has the shape of a perfect cross, the central square measures 53 metres along each side, while the central Stupa rises 51 metres above the ground. In 1990 on the 900th anniversary of the temple the spires of the temple were gilded. Four 9.5 metres standing Budddhas representing the four Buddhas who have attained Nirvana are located in the center of the structure facing north, south, east and west. Only two of the Buddhas are original (the images facing north and south) the other two were destroyed by fire and are replacements.
The temple was heavily damaged during the 1975 eathquake, but it was totally restored. Be prepared to be attacked by flocks of hawkers selling paintings, postcards, etc in the long corridor before the entrance, once inside you are safe.

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The Ananda Temple is not the biggest one in Bagan, but certainly one of the best preserved ones. Situated shortly before the wall of Old Bagan, it will catch your attention with its golden shimmer of the top from far away. It covers a complete area, well kept with flowers and shady trees that invite for a relaxing break. The whitewashed outside is decorated with lionfigures and statues, covered by the highrising golden roof.
The Temple building itself offers long dark hallways around the core with four big golden Buddha statues.

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Ananda Temple was built by King Kyaansittha in 1091 AD. It is believed to be the most artistic structure in Bagan.

The ground plan represents a Greek cross with pavillions on all four sides. The temple is 88 metres across and from the base 51 metres. The whole compound is 182 metres from east to west and 180 metres from north to south.

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Magnificent as the whole Bagan complex is, Ananda must stand very much as one of the "jewels in the crown". I actually came upon it fairly unexpectedly. I was cycling in splendid isolation along the "top" road, when I saw the most magnificent golden edifice apparently rising out of the plain. Checking my guidebook I ofund that it was Ananda.

The temple is over 900 years old (being completed in 1091), although the gilding on the top is a relatively recent affair. It is difficult to describe how majestic it actually looks from a distance, and the impression is only reinforced the nearer you get. Like the Taj Mahal, it just seems to grow to epic proportions the nearer you get to it. Actually, to be factual, it's a little over 150 feet high.

Nor indeed, is the building itself the only thing for the visitor. Inside are four absulutely huge Buddha images, facing the cardinal points of the compass in keeping with local tradition, which are quite wonderful. They represent Buddhas from the four ages and are Kakusandha who faces north, Konagamana who faces east, Kassapa who faces south, and Guatama who faces west.

I would think that Ananda is probably the most visited temple in the Bagan region and, whilst my personal taste perhaps runs to the less ostentatious temples, this is undoubtedly a "must see" for any visitor.