Bu Hpaya

Bu Hpaya is a stupa located on the river bank on the north part of Bagan old city wall. The structure’s location suggests that it could have been closely associated with a jetty on the river in ancient times. The shape and style of the stupa have led some to suggest that the structure could be dated to the 9th century or the Pyu period, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim. The claim is made partially on account of other purported ‘Pyu’-like structures such as the bulbous bell-shaped glazed stupa, Nga Kywe Nadaung, and ‘Pyu’-like objects, such as finger-marked bricks. These, however, are unverified evidence. Pierre Pichard suggests that the stupa might date to the 11th century. The original stupa was completely destroyed by the 1975 earthquake. The jetty to the side of Bu Hpaya continues to be an important boarding and disembarkation point for boats travelling up and down the Ayeyarwaddy River.

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