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Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu, also known as the “temple of omniscience,” it is the tallest building in Bagan at 61 meters. It stands just within the city walls, and is the archetype of the Burmese architectural style.

Built by Alaungsithu in the middle of the 12th Century, the Thatbyinnyu is similar in shape to the Ananda, although it does not form a symmetrical cross: the eastern vestibule projects out of the main structure of the building. The construction of this temple introduced the idea of placing a smaller “hollow” cube on top of a larger Burman-style structure, whereas the previous Mon-style temples were of one story. The center of the lower cube is solid, serving as a foundation for the upper temple, which houses an eastward-looking Buddha figure.

There are two tiers of windows in each story of the Thatbyinnyu, as well as huge arches inlaid with flamboyant pediments, making the interior bright and allowing a breeze to flow through. The first and second stories of this great temple were once the residence of monks. The third level housed images, and the fourth, a library. At the top was a stupa containing holy relics. The upper story can be reached by climbing interior stairs to the intermediate terraces, then taking an exterior staircase to the cella. From here a narrow internal stairway leads to the three uppermost terraces, which are crowned by a sikhara and a stupa. The view from this platform is marvelous. A half-kilometer away is the Ananda Temple, and beyond that stretches the huge plain where eight centuries ago 500,000 people are said to have lived.