Buphaya, Bagan

On the banks of Irrawady, stands Bupaya with its gilded pagoda. It marks a prominent landmark at the turn of river. it was totally damaged during the 1975 earthquake when the stupa fell into the river below. It has now been rebuilt in exactly the same style.

entrance to pagoda, guardian lions at entrance

gourd shaped stupa

Bupaya or Bu Phaya stands out with its golden gourd shaped pagoda. The semi-circular terrace overlooks the river and is a favorite spot for tourists to view sunset.

Facts about Bupaya:

• It is one of the earliest monuments in Bagan and is said to be dated to year 300.
• the pagoda is shaped like a gourd
• it is built in Pyu style.
• Tibeto-Burman speaking people were Pyu people and the earliest inhabitants of Burma.
• They carried on extensive trade with India and China.
• Buddhism came to the region as trade with South India. Also, cultural, architectural concepts were absorbed in Pyu culture.
• Probably the Pyu script was based on Indian Tamil Brahmi script which further became the base for Burmese language.

Legend of pagoda:

According to the legend, King Pyusawthi, ruled Bagan in the 3rd century.  Before he became the king, he freed the country of a menace of bu, a kind of gourd uncontrolable infestation along the banks of Irrawady. As a reward he was married to the ruling king's daughter.
King Pyusawthi built the pagoda in the shape of gourd hence the name Buphaya. Bu, gourd  and phaya a pagoda.

The temple entrance is guarded by two white and golden lion which are the Burmese mythological lions on either side. On both sides of entrance, beside the lions is seen a small person, welcoming the pilgrims and devotees.

sign board outside the temple, seen mostly in all temples

the main temple hall

Buddha image

Buddha image

woman paying respect to Buddha

 a prayer hall

image inside the prayer hall

sun set view across Irrawady, ferries and Tantkyi hill on the other side of river

Outside the temple, small shops selling savories, souvenirs.

A small temple but a wonderful place to view sunset across Irrawady.