Bagan Zanthi East Temple, Myanmar

Address

Bagan Zanthi East Temple, Myanmar

Wet Gyi Inn,

Myanmar (Burma)

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Zanthi East (built 1233) formally known as Monument No. 558, stands immediately to the south of Minnanthu village. It should not be confused with the larger Zanthi temple (Monument 557) which stands directly to the southwest.

According to epigraphy found on site, the temple was constructed in 1233 AD during the reign of King Htilominlo (r. 1211-35). It comprises a small square shrine measuring 3.80 x 3.83m, around which are built four porches and vestibules facing the cardinal directions, with the main entrance oriented east. All four entrances were originally accessible, but the Archaeological Department built brick grilles in the south, west, and north entrances so that access could be restricted with a lockable iron gate on the east entrance.

The interior of the shrine includes a number of well preserved mural paintings on the roof, walls, and vestibules. The center of the shrine includes two Buddhas of varying size seated back-to-back against a tall stone slab—it decorated with mural paintings. The mural paintings are highly susceptible to damage from artificial light.