The two original teak Buddha statues in the north and south gu (inner chambers) were designed with facial expressions that appear to change based on the viewer's distance and angle.
The temple was damaged in the 1975 earthquake and subsequently underwent significant restoration and a fresh coat of whitewash.
The structure's name is derived from the Pali word 'Anantapannya', which refers to the 'endless wisdom' of the Buddha.
The architecture shows a fusion of Mon design and North Indian temple influences.
The temple features over 1,500 glazed terra-cotta plaques arranged in friezes around the terraces.
The central core is surrounded by two concentric ambulatory corridors used for religious circumambulation.
Ananda Temple is a 12th-century Buddhist monument located in Bagan, Myanmar, built during the reign of King Kyansittha. It features a cruciform floor plan with a central square core and four entrance porticos pointing to the cardinal directions. The exterior is characterized by its white-washed walls and a prominent gilded sikhara, or spire, that rises above the structure. Inside, the temple houses four 9.5-meter-tall standing Buddha statues made of teak wood, two of which are original to the 1105 CE construction. The building is considered the finest example of Mon architecture in the region. Walls are embedded with numerous terra-cotta tiles depicting Jataka tales and scenes from the life of the Buddha. The central corridors are illuminated by ingenious natural light perforations strategically placed in the upper walls. It remains one of the best-preserved temples in the Bagan Archaeological Zone.
From the exterior gateway looking toward the main temple, capturing the reflection of the golden spire against the white base.
Walk the outer corridors slowly to observe the intricate terra-cotta plaques at eye level.
Visit the inner ambulatory path to experience the dramatic shifting lighting effects on the Buddha statues.
Bring a pair of thick socks to wear on the hot exterior stone pathways after removing your footwear.
Do not climb on the temple walls or terraces, as access is restricted to preserve the ancient structure.
Visitors must remove shoes and socks before entering the temple compound; shoulders and knees must be covered.
