Gadawtpalin Pagoda

This pagoda is take to be built between late 12th century to early 13th century. Also it was started by one king and ended by another. The first king to have started this construction was Narapatisithu and finished by King Nadaungmya (1211 to 1234). The name literally means ‘Platform to which Homage is Paid’.

The earthquake of 1975 destroyed many precious historical monuments of Bagan including Gadawtpalin. After the quake, the reconstruction of this Pagoda was one of the biggest operation to be taken.

In plan the temple is somewhat similar to the Thatbyinnyu-cube-shaped, with Buddha images on the four sides of the ground floor, with several refinements. It features the use of full pediments over the windows and stairways that ascend through the walls rather than from within the central cubes. The top of the restored sikhara, which toppled off in the earthquake, reaches 55 metres in height. Gadawtpalin is considered the crowning achievement of the Late Bagan period.

Gadawtpalin Pagoda viewed from the front

The Gadawtpalin Pagoda

Buddha image inside Gadawtpalin Pagoda

The bell at the Pagoda

Main eastern entry of Gadawtpalin Pagoda

(Source: myanmars.net)