GlobeTrotter 2000
Bagan, Myanmar - Thatbyinnyu Temple
Thatbyinnyu Temple was built by King Alaung Sithu in A. D. 1144. It is the tallest structure in Bagan. There is a rhyme traditionally sung by the people of Bagan, which runs:
" Massiveness that is Dhammayan Gyi, Loftiness that is Thatbyinnyu, Grace that is Ananda."
Dhammayan Gyi Temple is the largest in massive size, Thatbyinnyu Temple is the tallest in height, and Ananda Temple is the most graceful with all artistic decorations. Thatbyinnyu, from the base to the finial is 201 feet high.
The name "Thatbyinnyu " is an original name. It is one of the attributes of the Lord Buddha., "Thatbyinnyu" means "Omniscience" which the Lord Buddha attained on becoming enlightened. In the Temple are circumambulatory vaulted corri-dors, four-terraced devotional stupa, vihara (monastery) and the library. It is a big complex structure with seven terraces in all facing east.
On the upper terrace there is a big statue of Buddha made of brick and plaster, sitting on a lotus throne. Its head was damaged by the earthquake of 1975. A dolomite Buddha statue was discovered inside the damaged head. It is now on display at the archeological museum, Bagan. As in the case of Dhammayan Gyi Temple, brick laying technique used in Thatbyinnyu was excellent. The bricks in the walls on the upper terrace were laid horizontally and vertically in an alter¬nate style. When the earthquake of 1975 pealed off some plasters from the walls of the image house, it was found that stone bricks,were used in these walls up to 8 feet high.
Bagan, Myanmar - Thatbyinnyu Temple
Thatbyinnyu Temple was built by King Alaung Sithu in A. D. 1144. It is the tallest structure in Bagan. There is a rhyme traditionally sung by the people of Bagan, which runs:
" Massiveness that is Dhammayan Gyi, Loftiness that is Thatbyinnyu, Grace that is Ananda."
Dhammayan Gyi Temple is the largest in massive size, Thatbyinnyu Temple is the tallest in height, and Ananda Temple is the most graceful with all artistic decorations. Thatbyinnyu, from the base to the finial is 201 feet high.
The name "Thatbyinnyu " is an original name. It is one of the attributes of the Lord Buddha., "Thatbyinnyu" means "Omniscience" which the Lord Buddha attained on becoming enlightened. In the Temple are circumambulatory vaulted corri-dors, four-terraced devotional stupa, vihara (monastery) and the library. It is a big complex structure with seven terraces in all facing east.
On the upper terrace there is a big statue of Buddha made of brick and plaster, sitting on a lotus throne. Its head was damaged by the earthquake of 1975. A dolomite Buddha statue was discovered inside the damaged head. It is now on display at the archeological museum, Bagan. As in the case of Dhammayan Gyi Temple, brick laying technique used in Thatbyinnyu was excellent. The bricks in the walls on the upper terrace were laid horizontally and vertically in an alter¬nate style. When the earthquake of 1975 pealed off some plasters from the walls of the image house, it was found that stone bricks,were used in these walls up to 8 feet high.