Melo Villareal
Manuha Temple in Bagan
It was still humid when I left the hotel to explore the temples and some tourist attractions near The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate. I hired a horse cart since I’ll be heading to Shwesandaw Pagoda to witness the famous sunset in Bagan with fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers afterward. Passing the Tharabar Gate, we traversed the main road and some dusty and narrow paths till we reached Manuha Phaya Temple – the first temple I visited in the historic Old Bagan.
“I’ll wait for you here after 10 minutes” – words I got from the Horse Cart driver before proceeding to the temple entrance. Like other tourist destinations, the gate was surrounded by souvenir shops and peddlers selling cookies, sweets, and other local delicacies.
Before entering the temple, I noticed various paintings hanging near the west entrance of the Pagoda. I met the artist, and he explained to me that those wonderful handcrafted works are sand paintings which is a popular product souvenir for Bagan visitors.
I also saw some excellent wooded Buddha masks that look antique, and other interesting products they sell are the Monks umbrella and the Burmese puppets, which are normally used in Bagan Puppet Shows.
Architecture and Design
Built in the 11th century, the Manuha Temple is a captivating blend of Mon and Burmese architectural styles, crafted by the Mon King Manuha and held captive by King Anawrahta of Bagan. Unconventional for the area, the temple complex consists of three interconnected buildings, the central one displays four enormous Buddha statues seated in a row. These statues reflect King Manuha’s physical and mental suffering during captivity, a poignant reminder of the temple’s remarkable history.
Symbolism and Significance
The Manuha Temple stands as an awe-inspiring reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Its robust architecture and design reflect the struggles of King Manuha during his time as a prisoner, with the massive Buddha statues conveying an intense sense of confinement and suffering. Held in high regard by Buddhists in Myanmar, the temple is a sacred site that draws in devotees and tourists alike, inviting them to contemplate its deep religious and cultural significance in the country’s history.
Visiting Manuha Temple
When visiting the majestic Manuha Temple, it’s essential to be mindful of its spiritual nature and dress modestly. Before entering, take off your shoes and be respectful of local customs. Once inside, you’ll find a tranquil atmosphere and be amazed by the intricate artwork and ancient relics on display. Admire the colossal Buddha statues and take your time to soak in the unique ambiance of this architectural gem. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!
The Manuha Phaya temple finds its location on the right side of the road that emerges from Old Bagan Gate. History places a more significant role in identifying the traces of the temple, and the inscriptions found in the temple stand as proof of its origin. The Manuha inscription says that the temple was constructed in AD 1067.
The Pagoda was constructed by Mon King after he was brought to Bagan. As one of the oldest and most traditional temples of Bagan, the temple’s name was given by Mon King. The temple was constructed by him to show his displeasure of captivity by the then Bagan king, Anawrahta. The Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses of Bagan had the practice of building Pagodas, both large and small.
The Bagan king, Anawrhta, allowed Mon King to construct a temple after a long time. To start the Pagoda construction, Mon King sold his priceless jewelry to a wealthy merchant to build the temple later named Manuha Phaya. The temple is a two-story building, with the lower being larger than the upper. A large seated Buddha image forms the center stage of attraction. The statue of Buddha is measured 46 feet high, and the architect has demonstrated his genius by carving out this marvel.
The statue is uniquely designed with the hands of Buddha touching the earth. The temple also houses two smaller images of Buddha, about 33 feet high, on either side of the main idol. The cramped interior of the temple fits the three images of Buddha, and there are also myths that the idols were cramped together to denote the feelings of the detained king in Bagan. The adjoining chamber at the back of the main room encompasses a 90-feet long image of Buddha, with its head pointing toward North.
The north-pointing position of Buddha represents the Parinibana pose, which denotes demise. This also means death is the ultimate solution to free oneself from miseries. People can climb the top of the pagoda through the stairs constructed explicitly. A window positioned well in the pagoda lets visitors glimpse the sleeping Buddha through its glass panes.
The gigantic image of Buddha reveals a grim face from below that also bears an elegant smile. Nature’s fury in 1975 shook the temple’s foundations, which collapsed the central roof, damaging the centrally seated Buddha. The temple surroundings and outdoors are dedicated to the presiding nats of Mt. Popa, Mae Wunna and Min Gyi, and Min Lay, the sons of Mae Wunna.
A pagoda festival is being celebrated by the devotees of Manuha Phaya called the Paya Pwe. The festival is celebrated on the full-moon day of Tabung, which falls between February and March and will depend on the lunar calendar.
The Manuha Temple in Bagan, Myanmar, is a stunning reminder of King Manuha’s incredible strength and courage during his imprisonment. Its remarkable architecture and design, combined with its deep cultural and spiritual meaning, make it a must-see destination for those seeking to explore the region’s rich history and religious heritage. Visiting this temple is an unforgettable experience that will linger in your heart and mind.
Unlock the secrets of Manuha Temple, located in the captivating region of Bagan, Myanmar. Here, you can explore the diverse culture of this ancient land and be moved by the spiritual power of the sacred Buddha statues that fill its walls. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique experience!
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Read:
- The Morning has just Bagan!
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Myanmar Now
- Top 15 Best Things to Do in Bagan, Myanmar
- Myanmar Ancient City, Bagan named UNESCO World Heritage Site
