Gawdawpalin Temple, Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar.
Gawdawpalin Temple is a two-story Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar, rising about 55 meters (180 ft) tall with multiple terraces stepping up toward its central tower. Four entrance gates lead into the walled compound, which holds many Buddha statues and carved decorations on the pediments and doorways.
Construction began in 1203 under King Sithu II and was completed in 1227 under King Htilominlo, showing that two successive rulers considered this temple a priority. It stands as one of the last large projects built before the fall of the Bagan kingdom in the late 13th century.
The temple is still visited by locals who come to pray and leave offerings, making it one of the most active religious sites in Bagan. Inside, some walls still carry old paintings showing scenes from the life of the Buddha that visitors can observe directly.
The main entrance is on the eastern side, marked by two white lion statues that make it easy to find. Shoes must be removed before entering, and the upper terraces can be reached by climbing interior stairs that are steep in places.
Although the temple had to be largely rebuilt after the 1975 earthquake, original stones and fragments were reused wherever possible during the restoration. This approach means that part of the historic material is still in place, even if the overall structure is largely a reconstruction.
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