Manuha Temple, Bagan

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Located in the town of Myinkaba, this temple was built by King Manuha (the Mon king from Thaton) held in prision by King Anawhrata. The temple contains four of the most impressive Buddha images i´ve seen in Myanmar. In the front there are three seated Buddhas all trapped in their small enclosures. The back of the temple contains a huge reclining Buddha located in a bigger chamber passing through the Parinibbana (death), the statue is smiling representing the fact that only death was a relief for the Kings sufferings. There´s a famous festival (Paya Pwe) on the full moon of Tabaung (february-march) very popular amongst the devotees.

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Our next stop was at Manuha temple built by King Manuha himself in early 11th century. King Manuha was held captive in Bagan by King Anawrahta. Legend says that Manuha was allowed to build this temple but he constructed it to represent his displeasure at captivity. Inside the temple the main attraction are three seated Buddhas face the front of the building, and in the back a huge reclining Buddha with a smile on its face, showing that for Manuha only death was a release from his suffering!! All seem too large and cramped in the narrow interior, said to represent the stress and lack of comfort the 'captive king' had to endure. During the earthquake of 1975 the temple was badly damaged and no longer can someone climb up the temple.

This is really a popular temple... Plenty of locals come to this temple for prayers unlike the others. What's unique about this temple is that the interior is very small, practically there is no room for manoeuvre.