Myanmar: Bagan – Ananda Pahto Temple
Moving on to Bagan, get ready for temple overload… Ananda Temple is one of the oldest and largest in Bagan, built in 1105 AD. The temple is built into a cruciform and inside there are four large standing Buddhas facing different directions. Many narrow corridors and niches have additional Buddhas and other ornaments and sculptures. The temple looks dark and atmospheric inside, almost like a maze. It’s been called “the Westminster Abbey of Bagan”. Outside, there are more ornaments of lions and mythical figures perished on ledges and spires. The temple was damages in 1975 and 2016 earthquake and like everything in Bagan is undergoing renovation.
