The Gawdawpalin temple at dusk

Gawdawpalin temple

Second tallest temple of the Bagan plains

BAGAN TEMPLES OVERVIEW

Name

Gawdawpalin temple, Gawdawpalin pagoda

Date

Early 13^th century

King

Narapatisithu

Location

South West corner of old Bagan, close to the Irrawaddy river

Style

Late Bagan period
Two storey structure

Nearby

Thatbyinnyu temple, Mahabodhi pagoda

With a height of 55 meters the Gawdawpalin is the second tallest temple on the plains of Bagan.

Construction of the Gawdawpalin temple started during the reign of King Narapatisithu, which was a very prosperous time in the history of the Bagan empire.

During his reign a number of magnificent monuments was built, including the Gawdawpalin, the Dhammayazika, the Sulamani and a number of less known pagodas and temples. The temple was completed during the reign of his successor, King Htilominlo in the early 13^th century.

Architecture of the Gawdawpalin temple

The Gawdawpalin is a large two storey temple built in the style of the late Bagan period. It resembles the Thatbyinnyu temple, that was built half a century earlier in the year 1144.

The structure is set on a low platform. The lower cube is surrounded by a corridor that contains a seated Buddha image on a pedestal on each of the four sides. The massive lower floor is topped by three receding terraces.

The second cube is much smaller and contains the principal Buddha image. The cube is topped by another four receding terraces. Small stupas are placed on the corners of both the lower and upper terraces.

The Gawdawpalin temple in Bagan

Shikhara and a hti

The top of the Gawdawpalin temple comprises of a shikhara and a hti, a spire ornament shaped like an umbrella found on top of most Burmese temples. The shikhara, an Indian style tower structure is much like that of the Ananda, although the shikhara of the Ananda is completely gilded.

Each side of the pagoda has an entrance with porticoes protruding out from the structure. The Eastern one is the main entrance and protrudes out more, which breaks the symmetry of the structure.

The pediments over the windows and entrance gateways contain intricately carved motifs; some of the original stucco is still in place.

Interior of the Gawdawpalin temple

Inside the temple are Buddha images seated on pedestals as well as a number of Nat spirit statues; most of the temple’s murals have faded.

The temple grounds are surrounded by a wall with four entrance gates. The main entry to the complex on the East end is guarded by two large white lion statues.

Restoration

The Gawdawpalin has been extensively restored after the 1975 earthquake that seriously damaged the temple.

Getting to the temple

Check out Getting around Bagan for ways to get to the Gawdawpalin.

Other temples in Bagan

Among the other temples & pagodas in Bagan are:

History

History of Bagan