Ananda Temple stands in Old Bagan, in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, among the many temples that give this ancient city its character. It is also known as Ananda Pahto. Built in 1105 AD, it is one of the best-known temples in Bagan and is often the first stop for visitors exploring the plain.
What to look for
- Four standing Buddha statues, each facing a cardinal direction, so that a figure is visible from every side of the central shrine.
- Architectural symmetry, which is the temple's most admired quality. Its layout is balanced and orderly, and walking around it shows how the proportions repeat.
- Historical significance, as one of the most important surviving monuments from the period when Bagan was a major centre of Buddhist building.
Visiting the temple
Ananda suits a slow visit. Spend time circling the shrine to see each of the standing figures and to notice how the light changes their faces through the day. The temple is easy to combine with other sites in Old Bagan, since many of the monuments lie within a short distance of one another, and a walk or cycle between them is a pleasant way to see the area.
For practical details such as current arrangements, you can contact the temple by phone at +95-61-60644. Bringing water and suitable footwear is sensible, as the site is outdoors and much of the ground is uneven.
If you are interested in Bagan's history and religious architecture, Ananda is a natural place to begin, and it rewards a careful look.
