description Lawkananda Pagoda Overview
Lawkananda Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located on a bluff overlooking the Irrawaddy River in Bagan, Myanmar. It was built in 1059 by King Anawrahta (r. 1044–1077), founder of the Bagan Empire, following his acquisition of Buddhist relics from Thaton in the Mon kingdom. According to tradition, the pagoda enshrines a replica of a sacred Buddha tooth relic, one of several distributed at sites across Bagan.
The structure is a cylindrical bell-shaped stupa on a square base, a form characteristic of early Bagan religious architecture.
help Lawkananda Pagoda FAQ
Who built the Lawkananda Pagoda and when?
Lawkananda Pagoda was built in 1059 by King Anawrahta, the founder of the Bagan Empire who reigned from 1044 to 1077. He constructed it after acquiring Buddhist relics from Thaton in the Mon kingdom. It is one of the earliest stupes from the Bagan period.
What relics are enshrined in Lawkananda Pagoda?
According to tradition, the pagoda enshrines a tooth relic of the Buddha obtained by King Anawrahta following his conquest of Thaton. This relic was one of several distributed to important stupas across Bagan. The placement of relic stupas at strategic river locations was meant to mark and protect the kingdom's boundaries.
Where is Lawkananda Pagoda located relative to other Bagan temples?
Lawkananda Pagoda sits on a bluff overlooking the Irrawaddy River, south of the main Bagan temple clusters. Its riverside position made it a landmark for boat traffic and a site for royal rituals. It remains an active place of worship, especially during the Lawkananda festival held annually.
What is the architectural style of Lawkananda Pagoda?
The pagoda follows an early Mon-influenced cylindrical stupa form, with a bell-shaped dome rising to a tapering spire. This style differs from the later, more elaborate temples like Ananda Temple that Bagan became known for. Its simple, robust silhouette was typical of Anawrahta-era religious construction.
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