Photo Gallery
Gawdawpalin Temple (built c. 12th century)
The Gawdawpalin Pahto was begun during the reign of Sithu II (or Narapatisithu, 1174-1211) and completed during the reign of his successor, Nadaungmya (or Htilominlo, 1211-1234). It is one of the larger (it is actually Bagan’s second tallest) and most imposing of the Bagan temples. There are two suggested origins of its name, which means, according to the eminent Bagan scholar Paul Strachan, a “throne on platform to which respect or homage is paid.” One interpretation is that it formed part of traditional ceremonials honoring royal ancestors. The other explanation, wrapped in myth, is that Sithu had demonstrated such pride and had created so many hardships through his construction of the Sulamani Guphaya, that the eminent monk Panthagu Mahathera fled to Sri Lanka for six years in protest. The king persuaded him to return and paid him great honor and homage on this spot upon his return.
The Gawdawpalin a large eastward-facing two-story temple set on a low platform in the center of a walled enclosure with four gateways. It is located just to the north of the present Archaeological Museum. It is a brick masonry structure with stone reinforcement. Its exterior dimensions are 213 x 170.5 ft (65 x 52 m), with a solid inner core on the ground floor of almost 92 x 93.3 ft (27,99 x 28.45 m). The ground floor corridors around the central core are almost 7 ft wide (2.20 x 2.19 m). The entry shrine on the ground floor is almost 23 x 38.5 ft (6.95 x 11.72 m). The second story solid core is less than half the size of that of the ground floor. There is another shrine and entrance hall, and for the first time in Bagan architecture, the primary shrine is on the second story. Barrel and diaphragm vaults cover the shrines and corridors.
The three lower terraces and four upper terraces are topped by a square tower, conical spire and umbrella that reached 180 ft (55 m); some suggest it was 200 ft (60 m.)., Unfortunately, Gawdawpalin was near the epicenter of the 1975 earthquake; the tower was destroyed and upper parts were heavily damaged. There were repairs between 1976-82; it was further strengthened, when the tower was rebuild as a hollow reinforced concrete structure in 1991-92. About 40% of the exterior stucco moldings are still in place.
The eminent scholar G. H. Luce in comparing Gawdawpalin to Thatbyinnu, wrote that the romantic style has succeeded the classic, while Strachan suggests that there is a streamling of mass in the Gawdawpalin with an ‘upwardly directed movement’ that is “tall, refined and quite elegant” and, I would add, majestically unique. Such a sublime style was never again attempted at Bagan.
Bagan Monument number 1622
Text by Robert D. Fiala, Concordia University, Nebraska
Bibliography:
All images copyright 2002 by Professor Robert D. Fiala of Concordia University, Nebraska, USA
Clark, Michael and Joe Cummings. Myanmar (Burma).
Lonely Planet Publications, 2000. Melbourne
Courtauld, Carline. Burma (Myanmar).
Odyssey Publications, 1999. Hong Kong
Pichard, Pierre. Inventory of Monuments at Pagan, vol. 6, Monuments [numbered] 1440-1736.
Kiscadale EFEO UNESCO, 1994. Paris
Strachan, Paul. Pagan: Art & Architecture of Old Burma, 2nd. ed.
Kiscadale Publications, 1996. Scotland
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Website: OplaI'm interested in training this breed for protection. Can you advise the best site or book?
Website: berniese mountain dogSorry, this is outside the scope of this website's area of expertise. This is a site about architectural history.
someone recommend me about " burmese mountain dog " I saw photos of dog at gawdawpalin temple. But I don't think that is a burmese mountain dog as I went to Bagan many times and never seen such a dog. It's a german shepherd I think. But I will confirm when I go to Bagan next time.
i love that building an i love dogs!!!!!!!!
Everyone, this site was put here to be used as a teaching device for middle and high school students on website evaluation. To teach them that everything on the internet may not be accurate and how to verify and compare info from various sites. There are many other sites like this that we in public schools use as a teaching device. So there you have it.
Website: descy.50megs.com/akcj3/bmd.htmlHey people there is no such thing as a burmese mountain dog. The photos are of a german shepherd and the only thing close to a burmese mountain dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog which looks more like a St. Bernard. Its a Gag site people just do some research and look up the facts for yourself dont believe everything you see immediately, put some though into it.
Website: Burmese Mountain DogThank you for your helpful comment. As my area of expertise is architectural history, I'm not qualified to contribute to this discussion, but I appreciate your remark.
Yes, there is a burmese mountain dog. They are from northern burma(myanmar) state called Chin state. They do not look like Bernese mountain dog at all. They are about 50-60 lbs, mid size and muscular like rotties. Tribes people keep them as one of their family member than a pet. They do not sell the puppies but if they want you will get it free. I know because i am from myanmar living in US. I have been promised for two puppies by end of 2010. Plan to bring them to US. I have some pictures of them. please contact to my email.
Please see the linked article regarding the "Bernese Mountain Dog". Hopefully this lays to rest some of the confusion here. "Bernese" refers to the breed's place of origin, in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. It has nothing to do with Burma in Southeast Asia.
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernese_Mountain_Dogthis is the best site ever i can't find any information.......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what is this website about can some one tell me?
Abdul, Please see the FAQ section at the top of the website. Thank you. --Timothy
it's a BURNESE MOUNTAIN DOG!!!!!!! i have one
Website: cfgvhgj.comthis is so totally fake
Website: yahoo.comBill, What are you referring to? Thanks, Timothy Ciccone - Moderator
very nice
Who is so retarded as to think there is such a thing! its a German Shepard i would know! i have one!
Let's please try to keep the conversation civil. Thanks, Timothy Ciccone - editor
To the moron who thinks there is such a thing as a Burmese mountain dog, I would like to clarify.THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!!!! Those pictures were of a German sheperd. And the only thing relatively close to a Burmese mountain dog, is called a Burnese dog. And that looks completely different.
great building man so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Website: www.orientalarchitecture.comI am interested in acquiring a Burmese Temple Dog as a companion dog. Also known as the Burmese Mountain Dog. Can you put me in touch with a breeder in the USA
Patricia-- Sorry, this is beyond the scope of our knowledge. If any reader has information, feel free to post here. Thanks, Timothy Ciccone - editor