BAGAN, MYANMAR--A restored statue of a dragon on top of an elephant on the roof of Abeyadana Temple. Located just south of Myinkaba Village in the Bagan Archeological Zone, Apeyadana Temple is named after Apeyadana, an 11th century chief queen consort of King Kyansittha of the Pagan Dynasty of Burma (Myanmar) and maternal grandmother of King Sithu I of Pagan. As with most Burmese names, it is transliterated into English in various ways. Other variations include Ape-ya-da-na, Ape-Yadana-Phaya, and Abeyadana.
This photo depicts a statue at the Apeyadana Temple, one of the many ancient Buddhist structures dotting the plains of Bagan in Myanmar. Constructed in the 11th century during the reign of King Kyansittha, the temple stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and religious devotion of the Pagan Kingdom. The Apeyadana Temple is particularly notable for its well-preserved frescoes, which showcase Mahayana Buddhist imagery, a rarity in a region predominantly influenced by Theravada Buddhism. The temple's architecture exemplifies the early Bagan style, characterized by its brick construction and ornate stucco decorations. The structure features a square base with projecting porches on all four sides, typical of the period. Inside, the walls are adorned with intricate murals depicting various Buddhist scenes and jataka tales, offering insights into the religious and artistic practices of medieval Burma. Apeyadana Temple's name is believed to derive from a chief queen of King Kyansittha, although historical records are not conclusive on this matter. The temple's location within the Bagan Archaeological Zone places it among thousands of other religious monuments spread across the arid landscape near the Irrawaddy River. As part of the Bagan temple complex, Apeyadana contributes to the area's UNESCO World Heritage status, recognized for its outstanding universal value. The temple has undergone various conservation efforts to preserve its structural integrity and protect its valuable frescoes from environmental damage and the effects of time. Visitors to Apeyadana Temple can observe the intricate details of ancient Burmese craftsmanship, from the carved stucco embellishments on the exterior to the delicate brushstrokes of the interior paintings. The site provides a window into the religious fervor and artistic achievements of the Pagan Kingdom, offering both historical and spiritual significance to those who explore its ancient halls.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Apeyadana Temple, Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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