description Dhammayangyi Pagoda Overview
The Dhammayangyi Pagoda is a massive Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Bagan, Myanmar. Construction began around 1163 CE under King Narathu, who intended to atone for his violent rise to power. The brick structure is the widest temple in Bagan and is distinguished by its exceptionally fine masonry, where the mortar joints are practically invisible. Because King Narathu was assassinated before its completion, the interior is largely filled with rubble and remains a prominent study site for architectural historians.
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Dhammayangyi Pagoda ranks #11 of 113 in the Pagoda ranking, behind White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple, ahead of Pagoda Forest of Shaolin.
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Who built the Dhammayangyi Pagoda and why?
Construction began around 1163 CE under King Narathu, who built the temple to atone for his violent rise to power, which included murdering his father and brother. The temple is located in Bagan, Myanmar.
What is distinctive about the brickwork of the Dhammayangyi Pagoda?
The pagoda is famous for its remarkably precise brickwork, with mortar joints so tight that a pin reportedly cannot be inserted between bricks. This precision was supposedly enforced under threat of harsh punishment for the masons.
Is the interior of the Dhammayangyi Pagoda accessible?
Much of the interior was filled in with rubble, reportedly by Narathu himself, and only some inner passages are accessible today. The exact reason for filling in the interior remains debated among historians.
How does the Dhammayangyi Pagoda compare in size to other temples in Bagan?
The Dhammayangyi is the widest and most massive of all the temples in Bagan. Its sprawling brick footprint makes it one of the most visually dominant structures in the Bagan archaeological zone.
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