Bagan is the most amazing sight in Myanmar. It is situated on the bank of Ayeyarwady river and it is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar. It is one of the richest archeological sites in Asia.As all of you see, the entire Bagan’s thickly covered and pagodas of all sizes and shapes and the ground is studded with remnants of variously shrines. So, one can say that a visit to Myanmar cannot be termed complete without visit to Bagan.
The gateway is the only near-intact remnant of the circuit wall built in 849 A.D by King Pyinbya, the 34th king of the pre-Bagan dynastic period. The entrance is guarded by two guardian spirits; a brother and sister who were brutally killed by the king lest the mighty brother would become a rival to the throne. The images are still kept in the gate shrines and given respect by the people of Bagan and the neighbouring area.
Ananda, one of the most impressive and exquisite monuments of Bagan was built by King Kyanzittha, in 1091 A.D. In four niches facing four cardinal points there are four 30-feet tall wooden Buddha images which represent the 4 Buddhas of the world-cycle. The finely carved relics (statues) of the life of Lord Buddha are well preserved. Some say Ananda is the best preserved example of Bagan architecture. Both on the exterior and interior, fine carved stones, plaster and wood bear witness to the superb craft of the masters of Bagan.
Just a few yards from Ananda, there is Ananda brick monastery. The building was a residence for monks. It is considered a rare piece of art because the whole structure is made of fine workmanship illustrate the life of the ordinary people but seem to have been painted in 18th century A.D.
