Manuha Temple

　　Manuha Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Bagan. It was built in 1067 by King Manuha and has a rectangular layout. There is also a story behind the temple’s construction: King Manuha, who commissioned the temple, was defeated by the king of Bagan and taken captive to the region. He built this temple, known as Manuha Temple, to express his frustration and inner turmoil.

　　Although not very large, the interior of Manuha Temple houses three massive seated Buddha statues, along with an inclined reclining Buddha representing Nirvana. The small size of the temple juxtaposed with the enormous statues creates a strikingly mismatched visual effect. Some say King Manuha was quite insightful, using the temple’s Buddha statues to convey his own emotional state. The uncomfortable postures of the seated Buddhas vividly reflect the unease and prolonged suffering he endured during captivity. The reclining Buddha, tilted and smiling, symbolizes that death was the only escape from torment — a thought that brought relief, hence the smile. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple via steps. At the back of the temple, a window offers a view of the face of the seated Buddha — a face etched with an expression of agony.

　　Manuha Temple Reason to visit: One of the most renowned and historic temples in Bagan Continent: Asia Country/Region: Myanmar Province/State: Mandalay Region City: Bagan