Ananda Temple, Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar
Ananda is a Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar, built from red brick and reaching approximately 50 meters (164 feet) in height. The cross-shaped structure houses four standing Buddha figures facing north, south, east, and west, while galleries and halls lined with sculptures and wall reliefs surround the interior.
King Kyanzittha ordered the temple built in 1091, combining Mon architectural influences with Indian temple principles. The construction set standards for many later sacred buildings in the region and shaped the development of Bagan architecture for centuries.
Each of the four golden Buddha figures displays a different hand gesture, representing moments from the life of the Enlightened One. Devotees place flowers and incense at the bases of the statues, bowing before the calm faces while light moves through narrow windows.
Shoes must be removed before entering any part of the building, and the entrances lead into the four main halls as well as the surrounding corridors. Early morning hours and late afternoon offer cooler temperatures inside, as the brick walls retain heat.
Sunlight enters through small window openings and illuminates the Buddha statues at different times of day, making the facial features change according to the angle of light. Local craftsmen use traditional techniques to renew the gilding on the statues regularly, passing down old methods.
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