It’s the early dawn. Morning rays in the aura are slowly angling across Bagan. It’s the most beautiful and glorious sunrise scenes in Bagan.
Bagan, flourished for two millenniums. Bagan, existed in 107 AD reknown as the cradle of Myanma ancient cultural heritage.
After the Tharapa Gate, we turn right straight along the red lane which is leading to Ananda Temple. On the way, the cart man is simply sharing knowledge of his native Bagan and its famous pagodas and temples.
Very soon, we arrive at Ananda Temple, the most famous and venerated temple for its magnificent architectural and decorative features. Even a glimpse of the temple gives us delight and happiness.
Ananda Temple of 1091 AD was built by King Kyansittha who enjoyed longevity, greatness of power, much merits, being a noble king and won love and admiration of the people.
Ananda is a hollow vaulted temple enshrining wooden Buddha Statues standing upright are positioned at four different cardinal points. Each of them is 31ft high above the throne, which itself is nearly 8ft in height.
In early Bagan period, they wanted dim light inside the building to protect their mural paintings from the bright light. They let the light in through the dormer windows only onto the image. That means they probably wanted to let the devotee concentrate only on the Buddha image whenever he or she worshipped or meditated inside the temple.
At both sides of the entrance, two guardian devas standing in relaxed position, are very charming and spectacular with Bagan period costumes. As if they are welcoming the pilgrims and suggesting to worship from here where we can revere the Buddha image in fuller scope.
Inside the temple, there are two inner and outer corridors running parallel with two tiers of windows. Because of systematic ventilation and lighting system, there is enough light and air inside the temple. It is really convincing to recognize the skills of Bagan architects.
Around the wall of inner corridor, Buddhological Sculptures were kept and one of them is the scene of the Birth of Lord Buddha in sandstone. It is so alive and witnessing dynamic art of Bagan sculpture, splendid attires and costumes of ancient Bagan.
The Ananda is 168ft in height and 295 ft in length. It is one-storeyed temple with a series of receding roofs and finally a bell-shaped stupa.At the temple, the brick work of radiating arch is used by laying brick and sandstone slabs in alternate positions. This technique strengthens the structure to the wonder of architects today.
Perfect Greek cross or a square of nearly 200ft ground plan of Ananda Temple is one of the finest designs among Bagan pagodas and temples. Architectural engineering like balancing the foundation and the weight of upper structure, cornering and erecting the walls by using water level measurement was highly advanced. Their knowledge of engineering is really amazing.
Moreover, green glazed terracotta tiles depicting on Buddhologay with Mon Language inscription were decorated at lower and upper reliquaries. During Bagan period, the art of glaze and sculpture flourished. Tools like chisel and awl can be skillfully used in sculpting on bricks and stones at that time.
After paying homage to Great Ananda Temple reknown for its beautiful sculptures, glazed terracotta slabs, masonry arts and outstanding architectural designs. MRTV-3 crew continues to visit the rest of other the prominent pagodas in Bagan.
