Bagan Monument 1152, Myanmar

Address

Bagan Monument 1152, Myanmar

Taung Ywar Naung,

Myanmar (Burma)

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Monument 1152 (c. 13th century) is a tiny single-story shrine located about 400 meters southwest of the So-min-gyi-hpaya. It stands amidst a cluster of small monuments that includes the Kyauk-mye-mo-zedi-gyi, a riverside encased stupa. To reach it, one must walk about 400 meters west from the Bagan-Chauk road along a narrow dirt path that ascends gently up a low rise. The monument faces north side.

Puranic Significance

The exterior of the monument is in fairly good condition with about 60% of the stucco moldings largely intact, especially on the northwest and northeast faces. The superstructure collapsed long ago and was replaced with a conjectural tower and spire that withstood the moderate earthquake of August 2016.

The interior of the shrine is a cramped cloister-vaulted cell measuring 2.25 x 2.32m. A seated Buddha (newly rebuilt) faces north on the remains of the original pedestal. Around the Buddha are stately but impressive mural paintings, of which about 25% survive on the ceilings and 50% on the walls. The paintings depict scenes from the Buddha’s life as well as Mara’s armies. Pierre Pichard notes that the south wall includes a rare painting of a camel, ridden by an armed monkey. The murals are quite fragile and are easily damaged by flash photography.