The great Ananda Termple was built over 1,000 years ago but its architecture still remains now depicting the influence in Bagan period.

The significant foundation plan of the great temple has four vestibules and in front of the standing Buddha images, large statues of celestial beings are kept.

Each vestibule has two statues. So there are altogether 8 statues which have slightly different facial appearance but the same posture.

The gracefully standing statues created with the combined art of masonry and decorative stucco work.

Bagan style costumes such as necklace, bangles and waisthangs fringed with ogre head disgorging flower and foliage made of stucco work are beautiful.

The hand of the statue suggests that if you stand here and pay homage to the image, you may pay respects to the image without raising your head.

Stucco works are found on the light passing places on the inner wall of the outer corridor and ornamental backdrop arches. Very beautiful and grand backdrop arches seem to be strong till now. The found at the Ananda were baked with paddy husk. Mostly they are 15 inches long, 8 inches wide and 2.25 inches thick.

Using clay plaster, bricks were closely arranged not to have any little space. For building large brick walls, bricks are alternately arranged in horizontal and vertical positions.

The essence of the construction technique of Bagan temples in creating archways is to be able to bear the load above.

It is fascinating to observe the carving of arches each side of which is very propotionate. Another significant fact is alternate arranging of bricks and sandstones. Without using paste, specially pointed bricks were used supporting each other as spikes driven. These show the excellent measures taken to have those arches strong.

Arches found at the Ananda are in the types of circular, pointed and half barrel vault leaning against the central pillar.

Circular arches were made by Radiating Arch system. Arches of half barrel vault type are found above the corridors. Each of 4 corners of outer corridor, two strengthening arches were built. They aimed to attach the inner and outer walls and also to support the above arch.

At Ananda Temple, you may observe the formation of vaults and chambers using only bricks but wood and iron. The apexes of arches are linear and direct to the face of the standing Buddha image. Therefore pilgrims get more concentration in paying respects to the Buddha.

All of the presentation is just about the stucco work and masonry art of the famous Ananda Temple.

Don’t miss the presentation of images of impressive architecture at the Ananda which we have taped for the next programme.