Manuha Temple

Manuha Temple

Manuha Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, built in 1067 by King Manuha and shaped like a rectangle. There is also a story about the construction of the temple. The king who built it, King Manuha, was defeated by the king of the Bagan region, captured, and brought to Bagan. He expressed his frustration by constructing this Manuha Temple.

Although not very large, Manuha Temple houses three large seated Buddha statues inside. In addition, there is an inclined statue depicting the Buddha in a state of parinirvana. Due to the small size of the temple and the large size of the statues, the space feels rather disproportionate. Some say that King Manuha was quite wise, using the temple’s Buddha statues to convey his inner world. The uncomfortable posture of the seated Buddha statues vividly illustrates the unease and prolonged suffering King Manuha endured after being captured. The inclined statue wears a smile — for King Manuha, death was the only way to find liberation, and the thought of escaping his torment is what made the statue smile. Visitors can climb stairs to reach the top of the temple. At the back of the temple, through a window, one can see the face of the seated Buddha — a face filled with an expression of agony.

Manuha Temple

Why Go: One of Bagan’s most renowned and historic temples

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Myanmar[Myanmar]

Province/State: Mandalay Region [Mandalay Region]

City: Bagan [Bagan]