The auspicious birthplace of Myanma history, the solemn seat of Myanma culture and literature, Bagan still proudly presents Buddhist edifices of early 11th AD.
Bagan architects, full of ideas and creativity, never confined themselves to few structural designs, but pioneered new concepts.
They built small and intricate structures as well as large and thick ones with the accompanying awesome decorative features.
While in Bagan, how would you like to visit by car, bicycle or pony cart? For me, I prefer pony cart!
It’s better to move leisurely under the sparse canopy of acacia and neem trees in a pony cart, visiting edifices one after another.
The cart driver seems to be will-informed on the histories of pagodas and temples in Bagan. U M. Han said, “Dhammayangyi temple can be seen from all sides of Bagan’s periphery”. It is the thickest structure in Bagan!
Yes indeed, the great temple is the thickest structure in Bagan. The base and terraces are thick, and the temple protrudes upward magnificently.
When observed from close range, the great arch at the entrance is so large and awesome. Of all structures in Bagan, brick bondage at the temple is said to be the best.
And it is absolutely right.
Little Bagan girl’s comment on Dhammayangyi Temple is really interesting.
Inside the temple, you can pay homage to the Buddha Image dates back to 12th AD.
Dhammayangyi temple is a huge massive structure, where brick laying was done systematically. Joists were also put in place leaving no space (place) for a pin to pass through the wall.
For reinforcement, sandstone anchors, solid and stones cut into the shape of carpenter’s square, were put at corners to buttress the wall. As the wall went up, sandstone anchors were inserted at five feet interval.
So, there is no fracture whatsoever in spite of nearly a millennium. The crux of durability of the huge structure is the technique employed.
Dhammayangyi was built by King Narathu of 1167 to 1170 AD. It is a temple of early Bagan period. In the interior, radiating arch method is emploed using bricks.
It is amazing that arches were built at a lower level to reinforce the roof and ceiling. The arches support the roof and ceiling, and also buttress the walls on both sides.
The plan of Dhammayangyi temple is similar to the Ananda, but only the outer corridor is accessible as all the entrances to the inner one are blocked by brickworks.
There are two tiered windows round the temple that admit light. The massive structure of the temple is evident as one observes the radiating arches and the outer corridor.
The terraces of Bagan’s early pagodas and temples are characterized by curvilinear roof, which is prominent at the Dhammayangyi.
The corners of the temple are perfectly at right angles. The alignment of each corner to the top of the temple goes in a perfect straight line.
Brickwork of Bagan period was done with sound bricks and “Thayout” glue. Brick bondage was made systematically.
Sandstone cut into the shapes of carpenter’s square, sandstone anchors, are inserted at corners of the walls.
The prominent feature of Dhammayangyi temple is that vestibules are extended on the four sides. After paying homage to the magnificent and most massive temple of the lard, we continue our pilgrimage by pony cart.
Win Thanda Cho (Bagan)
“Dhammayan Gyi Temple was built by King Narathu. At that time, lime and cement was not used but instead a mixture of coconut oil, milk, treacles (molasses) and glue in the right ratio was applied in laying bricks. Therefore, the wall of the Temple was so strong that it can’t be pierced through by a needle. This great temple is over 900 years old but not a single brick has been destroyed. According to the saying, … Dhammayan Gyi is wellknown as the largest in Bagan, Thatbyin Nyu for its height, Bu Phaya for its scenic view, Ananda for its architectural design, Shwezigon for its glory and Sulamani for its murals. From every direction, Dhammayan Gyi Temple looks like a pyramid”.
