weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Today we start out with one of the many unidentified (at least for me) brick structures very close to our hotel, including some stupas and a temple, then have a look at a plaque with information written in the beautiful rounded Burmese script (though I have no idea what the message is) and then move on to a rather small but very centrally located temple that offers a splendid viewing platform at the top: the Pyathetgyi temple. One of the big frustrations in narrating a tour through this incomparable land studded with all these pagodas is that there is absolutely no certainty on how to spell the name of these places - I am using here the name I see on Google Map. I know that there is a proper name in Burmese, but translating it into English becomes a nightmare. For this particular temple, I have encountered the names Pyathetgyi, Pyathatgyi and Pyathadar, and I am sure there must be plenty more variations.

Before we start the viewing of today's images, here is a brief write-up on the "RenownTravel" site on this temple - you will see that part of the confusion of the naming is addressed right in the first paragraph.

The PYATHADAR is a very large, impressive brick temple located South East of old Bagan. The massive structure, also known as the PYATHATGYI, is one of the few remaining “double cave” monasteries. Most of these temples were built of wood and have long gone. The Pyathadar was built in the first half of the 13th century by King Kyaswa, a devout Buddhist. It is one of the last of the large temples built in Bagan, as in the 13th century land was becoming scarce in the Bagan empire. The late period temple shows the progression in architectural skills of the Bagan builders in the use of large vaulted rooms and broad corridors. The Pyathadar enshrines several large sitting and standing images of the Buddha in various postures. A project to restore the Pyathadar temple was completed in 1998.

Structures of the Pyathadar: The Pyathadar is a symmetrical structure but for the Western entrance porch which protrudes out from the building. The massive porch is flanked by two smaller entrances on either side. At the center of the East wall is another huge vaulted entry porch. The central entrance is flanked by two smaller vaulted entrances. Inside the structure seated on a pedestal is a large Burmese style image of the Buddha in the “Calling the Earth to witness” posture, which is visible from the outside. Inner passageways lead around the temple’s entire structure. Niches in the walls enshrine images of the Buddha.

The temple’s terraces: A staircase leads to the large terrace on top of the Pyathadar. At its center is a smaller structure shaped like a temple. The symmetrical structure has an entrance hall on each of its sides, that protrude out from the structure. On top is a shikhara, similar to that of the Ananda pagoda. The shikhara is topped with a golden multi tiered ornamental spire, called hti.

Views of the Bagan plains: From the terraces visitors have good views of the surrounding Bagan plains and its countless temples, including the Sulamani and the Dhammayangyi. The Pyathadar is a popular place to watch the sunset. Candles on the stairways illuminate the pitch dark way to the temple’s terrace.

In today's post we first have a look at the exterior of the temple, then have a glimpse of a narrow vaulted staircase and end with a view of a black-robed statue of Buddha that we will see from different angles.


Notes
TRIP INFO: Set # 1 provides a brief introduction to THIS SERIES on SOUTH & EAST ASIA. See it at
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-724330-1.html

MYANMAR COUNTRY INFO in set # 61: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-731087-1.html

BAGAN INFO in set # 72: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-732387-1.html

EARLIER POSTS of this series: Access my topic list at UHH, the new posts are listed in reverse chronological order:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-topic-list?usernum=45105

Thanks for visiting, I recommend viewing the downloads and look forward to your comments and questions.

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1 - Just out of the hotel, our first temple and row of stupas

(Download)

2 - An inscription plate at a temple in the well-rounded Myanmar script

(Download)

3 - Pyathetgyi temple: Flank of the building entirely constructed of bricks incorporating external stairs leading to the large main upper platform

(Download)

4 - Partial side view of the top structure

(Download)

5 - Top structure of the pagoda with the golden stupas

(Download)

6 - Entire top structure of the temple at the center of the very large viewing platform

(Download)

7 - Narrow internal steps leading down from the top structure and platform

(Download)

8 - Statue of a sitting Buddha with a rather unusual painted black robe, red is seen more often

(Download)

9 - Closer take of the sitting Buddha statue

(Download)

10 - Side/profile view of the sitting Buddha statue

(Download)

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

For your reference:

11 - Trip map of the Myanmar segment of our tour

(Download)

12 - Map of the sights within Bagan

(Download)

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

More interesting history and architecture, Joe. A fine set.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Wow.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Another wonderful series, Joe. I find it interesting that there are no apparent spaces to indicate separate words in their script.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks Ken for your kind appreciation!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks for the wow Bill!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks Barbara - an interesting observation that I didn't notice but you are right, it must be tough to read that text, at least for the non-ininitiated.

angler Loc: StHelens England

I always enjoy your posts Joe,excellent as always.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Jim, I appreciate your nice words!

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

Excellent architectural shots as usual! Not only a black robe but it would seem that statue could use a makeover too!
Your lead shot is super, felt like I was right there in #'s 7 & 8!! Thanks for todays tour, Joe!
Rob

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Rob for your nice words. Good to hear you felt like being right there.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

You have a good eye for the architectural points, Joe. #7 is your star.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thanks Mike, this place really was a photographer's paradise and I was lucky to get some pleasing shots. I do have to admit that I am also quite happy with the #7 capture.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

More good architectural images Joe and history of the area. I wonder how many bricks were used to build all of the temples and the stupas. I like the first image, as well as the shots of the top of the temple.