BAGAN, Myanmar — The Naga Yon Hpaya temple stands in Bagan, Myanmar. Built in the late 11th century, the brick structure features a distinctive Indian-style shikhara tower. The temple is known for its well-preserved frescoes and a large seated Buddha image inside.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Naga Yon Hpaya, also known as Nagayon Temple, is a significant architectural and religious monument located in Bagan, Myanmar. Constructed in the late 11th century during the reign of King Kyanzittha, this temple stands as a prime example of the early Bagan period's architectural innovation and artistic achievement. The temple's name, "Naga Yon," translates to "sheltered by dragons," referring to the mythical serpent creatures of Buddhist and Hindu lore. This name is reflected in the temple's iconography, with naga figures prominently featured in its decorative elements. Architecturally, Naga Yon Hpaya is notable for its distinctive design, which incorporates elements of both indigenous Burmese and Indian styles. The temple's most striking feature is its shikhara tower, a tapering structure rising above the main sanctuary that is more commonly associated with North Indian temple architecture. This fusion of styles exemplifies the cultural exchanges that characterized the Pagan Kingdom's flourishing period. The temple's structure is primarily built of brick, with liberal use of stucco for decorative elements. The exterior features intricate carvings and moldings, while the interior is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes. These murals, dating back to the temple's construction, depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales, providing invaluable insights into the artistic and religious practices of medieval Burma. Inside the main sanctuary, visitors encounter a large seated Buddha image, which serves as the temple's primary object of veneration. The statue's serene expression and graceful proportions are characteristic of the period's sculptural style. Naga Yon Hpaya's layout includes vaulted corridors surrounding the central sanctuary, creating a circumambulatory path for worshippers. This design facilitates the Buddhist practice of clockwise circumambulation around sacred objects or spaces. The temple's location withi
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Naga Yon Hpaya, Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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