- Address: Nyaung-U, Myanmar (Burma)
- Denomination: Theravada Buddhism
- Foundation date: about 1167-1170.
On the western bank of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar , there is a wide plateau where the soil is painted in a characteristic copper shade, and among the dense thickets of acacia and tropical palms, the tops of the ancient temples are seen - this area is called Arimaddana, or Blasted Lands. At the dawn of the last millennium, the beautiful city of Bagan was erected here, whose history was rapid and even phenomenal. Today, on the site of the ancient capital, there are only a few villages and a small airport of local importance, but those amazing structures that have survived for centuries, clearly show the former greatness of the dead kingdom. The most famous is the large-scale temple complex Damayandzhi, spread over many miles.
Temple complex
A strikingly large-scale complex of temple buildings was built around the Bagan capital: more than 4,000 Buddhist sanctuaries are located on the territory of about 40 square kilometers. There are three main temples of the ancient Bagan (or Pagan, in a modern way): Damayandji, the largest, Ananda with gilded tiles and Tatbinyi, considered one of the highest in the valley. But of course, other facilities of the complex undoubtedly deserve attention. An annoying fact is that despite all the efforts of the UNESCO foundation, it was possible to declare the complex as a World Heritage site for a number of reasons.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Myanmar just to see Damayandji firsthand. Throughout the temple complex are equipped with special observation platforms, and to many facilities are convenient paths. It is important to take into account that all churches have different hours of work, although on average the visit time on the territory of the whole complex is almost the same. In order to enter the territory of the ancient Buddhist sanctuary it is necessary to have a ticket with you, which you can buy right at the entrance.
The main temple of Bagan
According to legend, the largest temple in the complex, which gave him the name of Damayandji, was built by the then ruler for the atonement of grievous sins: it is said that the rise to the throne of King Naratu was bloody, and that this power-loving man did not disdain even parricide. But starting the construction of the sanctuary, Naratu did not change his temper - the king promised to execute the builders, if he could stick a needle through the walls. It is worth noting that the brutality of the ruler had an effect - the accuracy of fitting the bricks of Damaijia temple is the most perfect in the whole history of Burmese architecture.
But, despite the amazing size of the building, only a few galleries and balconies of the temple are available for visiting: the interior rooms are walled up and covered with rubble, which can not be removed without damaging the walls.
How to get to the Damayjee temple complex?
The easiest way to get to Damayandji is by plane: from nearby Yangon to Bagan, several flights are sent daily, the journey takes a little longer than an hour. The way from Mandalay runs along the Irrawaddy River: on tourist ferries to Bagan can be reached in nine hours, but back to Mandalay against the current of the river will swim for as long as thirteen. And besides, you can get to Bagan by local public transport or taxi, but this is an option for tourists who are the most patient and undemanding to the conditions.
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