BAGAN, Myanmar — The Shwegy Gyi Phaya temple stands amid the plains of Bagan, Myanmar. Built in the early 12th century, this two-story brick structure features intricate stucco work and wooden doors with carvings. The temple, known for its elevated design, offers views of the surrounding archaeological landscape.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Shwegy Gyi Phaya, also known as Shwegugyi Temple, is a prominent Buddhist monument located in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar. Constructed in 1131 CE during the reign of King Alaungsithu, this temple stands out for its architectural innovation and historical significance within the vast archaeological landscape of Bagan. The name "Shwegugyi" translates to "Great Golden Cave" in Burmese, though the structure is neither a cave nor predominantly golden. Instead, it's a two-story temple built primarily of brick, with extensive use of stucco for decorative elements. The temple's elevated design, set upon a high platform, is one of its most distinctive features, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Bagan plain and its myriad of temples and pagodas. Architecturally, Shwegy Gyi Phaya represents a transitional period in Bagan's temple design. Its layout combines elements of earlier single-story temples with the emerging trend of vertically-oriented structures. The temple's ground floor features a central Buddha image surrounded by a circumambulatory passage, while the upper floor, accessible via steep stone staircases, houses additional shrines and offers sweeping views of the landscape. One of the most notable aspects of Shwegy Gyi Phaya is its intricate woodwork, particularly the carved wooden doors that have survived for nearly nine centuries. These doors, adorned with detailed religious motifs and scenes from Buddhist mythology, are considered some of the finest examples of medieval Burmese craftsmanship. The preservation of these wooden elements is remarkable, given the tropical climate and the passage of time. The temple's exterior is characterized by its ornate stucco work, featuring decorative elements that blend indigenous Burmese motifs with influences from Indian architectural traditions. The use of arched windows and doorways, along with elaborate moldings and pilasters, creates a visually striking facade that exemplifie
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Shegy Gyi Phaya, Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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