新澳门开奖结果

The Ananda Temple – By Vyacheslav Argenberg –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple is located in Bagan, Myanmar. It is a Buddhist temple built in 1105 AD during the reign of King Kyansittha of the Pagan Dynasty (1084 – 1112/13).

It is one of the surviving temples of Bagan and has a marvelous layout. The temple is designed in the form of a cruciform where the terraces lead to a small pagoda at the top. The top is covered with an umbrella called a “hti,” which is a distinctive element.

Each of the four standing Buddhas in Ananda Temple faces a different cardinal direction. Ananda temple also contains innumerable plaques made from glazed terra-cotta tiles. Each plaque represents one story of the Jataka.

Now let鈥檚 look at some amazing facts about Ananda Temple.

1. Once Known as Ananta Temple

The name Ananda is derived from the vulnerable Ananda, Buddha鈥檚 first cousin, personal secretary, and devout attendant. Previously, it was known as Ananta Temple, coming from the phrase 鈥楢nanta pinya鈥� in Sanskrit.

The phrase translates as 鈥渆ndless wisdom鈥�. However, the word “Ananda” means “bliss” in Pali, Sanskrit, and other Indian languages. It鈥檚 a popular Buddhist and Hindu name.

The name “Ananda” honors the qualities of the Buddha, particularly his limitless wisdom, known as “Anandapinnya” in Burmese and Pali.

2. The Architects Who Built the Temple Were Killed to Retain Its Uniqueness

Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar – By Jakub Ha艂un –

The narrative surrounding the construction of this temple depicts a tragic conclusion for the workers. Eight monks approached King Kyansittha to ask for alms. They described the Nandamula Cave Temple in the Himalayas, where they had meditated, in graphic detail.

The monks鈥� demonstration of talent satisfied the king. He then asked them to construct a temple in the center of the Bagan plains, where it would be cool. The King had the monk architects executed after they finished building the temple.

The reasoning behind this was to prevent them from creating a comparable structure anywhere else to preserve the temple鈥檚 originality.

3. Building of The Ananda Temple Is Credited to King Kyansittha

Statue of Kyansittha at the Ananda Temple – By mydaydream –

King Kyansittha is credited with building the temple in 1100. It marks the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period”.

The timing of building this temple is considered a culmination of religious education that began during the Pahothaya temple building activity in 1080 AD. The Theravada Buddhism adopted by the King motivated him to present the teachings of Buddha to his people through the temple.

This was to unite Burma under one flag and thus 鈥渃reate mass religious enthusiasm鈥�. It鈥檚 said that the King who founded this temple became illustrious in the sphere of Buddhist architecture.

4. Archeaelogist Duroiselle Made Observations That the Ananda Temple Was Built by Indians

The architectural history of the temple has been widely analyzed. The strong influence of Indian Architecture is noted in many temples of Bengal and Orissa.

Archaeologist Duroiselle made observations that the architects who planned and built the Ananda were Indians. This was because everything in the temple from Shikara to the basement bears the indubitable stamp of Indian genius and craftsmanship.

Duroiselle added that, though built in the Burmese capital, it is an Indian temple. It is also said that the architecture of this temple greatly represents the Ananta cave Temple in Udayagiri hills in Odisha. The temple is being restored with the help of the Indian government.

5. It Contains Four Standing Buddhas

Standing Buddha 鈥� Gautama 鈥� West facing – By Gerd Eichmann –

The four standing Buddhas are adorned with gold leaves and each Buddha image faces a direction, from north to south. This direction-facing state represents a state of nirvana.

South facing Kassapa is the third of the five Buddhas of the current Kalpa (in P膩li). North facing Kakusandha is the first of the five buddhas in Kalpa. East facing Konagamana is the second of the five Buddhas of the present era. Gautama faces West.

The images facing north and south are said to be original to the Bagan style while the other two images are new replacements after the originals were destroyed by fire.

6. Each Plaque Made of Glazed Terra-Cotta Tiles Represents One Story of The Jataka

Plaques are a special feature in the temple complex. Each plaque created from glazed Terra-cotta tiles corresponds to a certain Jataka narrative.

On the terraces and walls of the temple, there are numerous plaques. There are 552 representations of Mara’s marching warriors preparing to attack Buddha at the foot of the monument.

This extends from south to west. There is also a parade of gods. West to the north entrance shows the warriors vanquished by the supernatural powers of Buddha.

7. The Stone Sculptures Are Considered Unique in Bagan

The stone sculptures in the vaulted outside corridors are regarded as being special to Bagan.1500 stone images are seen inside the temple. The stone images are mostly unclear due to wear and tear. The special images carved from a single rock are those that depict 80 episodes from Buddha鈥檚 life.

8. It Contains Other Structures Within It

The Tharabha Gate – By Hybernator –

Ananda Oakkyaung is simply a Monastery built with red bricks, located within the precincts of the Ananda Temple. It was built in 1137 AD. Paintings of the 18th century are seen on the walls of the monastery.

Tharabha Gate is the only surviving gate of the ancient Bagan city. It was previously known as Pagan. The Ananda Temple is located to its Southeast. Tharabar was one of the 12 gates of entry to the Pagan city built by King Pyinbya, in 849 AD.

9. A Field Museum Has Been Established Near the Ananda Temple

Near the Ananda temple in Pagan, a field museum has been established. The goal is to examine the artifacts in the environment of their original locations.

10. The Temple Is Home to An Annual Week-Long Festival

An annual festival lasting a week is celebrated at the temple during the month of Pyahto (December to January). 1000 monks perform 72 hours of nonstop scripture chanting as part of the celebration.

Thousands of peasants camped out all around the shrine, coming from kilometers away. They present gift bowls to the present monks on the morning of the full moon day.