Thatbyinnyu

This is the tallest building in Bagan; the temple also differs from other structures in Bagan in another area: the main Buddha sits within the upper-story shrine. Thatbyinnyu is dated to the 12th century, and shares much in common with other massive temples, such as Sulamani, Gawdawpalin, and Htilominlo, etc. Little murals remain in the temple interior which has been largely white-washed; the only area which retains some mural traces remain is the hall on the rear. There is a well-noted painted inscription left by one of King Bodawpaya’s (1782-1819) queens, which relates the queen’s visit to Bagan. Like the other huge temples, Thatbyinnyu lies within a compound, which includes two enormous stone piers. These piers used to support a bell, which had gone missing in precolonial times.

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