BAGAN, Myanmar — The Lemyethna Pagoda stands among the ancient temples of Bagan, Myanmar. Built in 1222 AD during the reign of King Htilominlo, this Buddhist temple features a square base with intricate stucco decorations. The pagoda's central spire rises above four shrine rooms, each housing a large Buddha statue facing the cardinal directions.
This photo depicts the Lemyethna Pagoda, an important historical and religious structure located in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar. Built in 1222 AD during the reign of King Htilominlo, this temple is a prime example of the late Bagan period architecture and artistic style. The Lemyethna Pagoda is characterized by its square base, a common feature of many Bagan temples. The structure rises from this base to form a multi-tiered design, culminating in a central spire that points skyward. This spire, known as a sikhara in Buddhist architecture, is a hallmark of the Bagan style and symbolizes the sacred Mount Meru in Buddhist cosmology. One of the most striking features of the Lemyethna Pagoda is its intricate stucco work. The exterior walls are adorned with elaborate decorations and carvings, showcasing the skill of 13th-century Burmese artisans. These decorations often depict Buddhist motifs, celestial beings, and floral patterns, providing both aesthetic beauty and religious symbolism. The temple is designed with four shrine rooms, one on each side of the square base. Each of these rooms houses a large Buddha statue, facing one of the four cardinal directions. This architectural layout is deeply symbolic in Buddhist tradition, representing the Buddha's universal teachings reaching out to all directions. Inside the temple, visitors can find vaulted corridors that connect the different shrine rooms. These corridors may contain remnants of mural paintings, although many have faded or been damaged over the centuries. The interior spaces are designed to create a sense of reverence and spiritual contemplation. The Lemyethna Pagoda's construction during the reign of King Htilominlo places it in a period of Bagan's history marked by prolific temple building and artistic refinement. It reflects the wealth and religious devotion of the Pagan Kingdom at its height, as well as the sophisticated architectural and engineering skills developed over centuries of temple construct
Size: 6646px × 4436px
Location: Lemyethna Pagoda, Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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