BAGAN, Myanmar — The Paya-thone-zu Group of temples stands in Bagan, Myanmar. Built in the late 13th century, these three interconnected brick structures feature elaborate mural paintings inside. The temples, with their distinctive architecture, are located in the eastern part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Paya-thone-zu Group, also known as Payathonzu, is a remarkable ensemble of three interconnected temples located in the eastern part of Bagan, Myanmar. Built in the late 13th century during the twilight of the Pagan Kingdom, these temples represent a unique architectural and artistic achievement that stands out even among Bagan's thousands of religious monuments. The name "Paya-thone-zu" translates to "Three Pagodas" in Burmese, aptly describing the complex's composition of three closely-set temples. What makes this group particularly noteworthy is their interconnected design, a rarity in Bagan architecture. The temples are arranged in a row, sharing common walls, and are accessible through connecting passageways, creating a unified sacred space. Architecturally, the Paya-thone-zu Group exemplifies the Late Bagan style, characterized by more complex and experimental designs. Each temple features a square base with a central sanctuary, surrounded by vaulted corridors. The exteriors are relatively plain compared to earlier Bagan temples, with minimal decorative stucco work. However, this simplicity is more than compensated for by the richness of the interior decorations. The most striking feature of the Paya-thone-zu Group is its extensive and well-preserved mural paintings. These frescoes cover nearly every interior surface and are considered some of the finest examples of Bagan period art. The murals depict a wide range of subjects, including scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives), and various celestial beings and Bodhisattvas. The iconography and style of these paintings are particularly intriguing to scholars as they show influences from Mahayana and Tantric Buddhist traditions, which are not commonly found in Theravada-dominated Myanmar. This has led to speculation about possible connections with other Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions or the presence of esoteric Buddhist practic
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Paya-thone-zu Group, Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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