Tharabha Gate, Ancient city gate in Bagan, Myanmar
Tharabha Gate is a brick entrance structure on the eastern side of Bagan with two shrines positioned on each side, serving as the threshold to the archaeological zone. The structure displays typical construction methods of the period and clearly marks the boundary of what was once a walled city.
The gate was built around 1020 and stands as the sole survivor among twelve original entrances that once protected the city. Its endurance through centuries makes it a key testament to the defensive systems of that early era.
The shrines house guardian spirits called nats in Burmese belief, revered as protectors of the eastern approach to the ancient city. These spiritual traditions remain part of how local people relate to this historic place.
The gate is easily accessible on foot and forms a natural entry point to the archaeological zone with nearby information centers. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the ground around the structure can be uneven.
After the 2016 earthquake, a research project created detailed three-dimensional recordings of the gate for documentation and protection purposes. This digital mapping helps guide future restoration work and ensures the structure remains a record for coming generations.
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