Myet Taw Pyay Phaya and Atwin Zigon Phaya, Bagan

The twin Myet Taw Pyay and Atwin Zigon Paya stand close to Gawdawpalin temple. The east facing temple of Myet Taw was built by King Kyansidha. Next to this stands Atwin Zigon Paya.

Zigon is pronounced as "Si-goun" meaning a stupa and Atwin means inner part. This pagoda is located within the inner city walls near the palace hence came to be known as Atwin Zigon.

Legend of pagoda:
Atwin Zigon is a double pagoda, one enclosing the other. The inner one was built by King Kunzaw Kyaung Hpyu. The outer one which enclosed the inner was built by King Kyanzittha or Kyansidha. It is traditionally held that on the site of Atwin Zigon Paya, Shin Arahan, who was a monk and also an advisor, Min Maha Giri, Kyanzittha Alaung Si thu and King Thet Min Katon of Rakhine swore the oath of faithfulness and help one another when in trouble.

It is said that during the reign of King Khyansidha, King Thet Min Katon of Rakhine turned against the king. Khyansidha sent his soldiers to capture the latter. When King Thet Min was about to be executed on charges of treason, Shin Arahan pleaded for mercy. King Khytansidha remembered that they had taken an oath of faithfulness and coming to help each other in case of need. He spared King Thet Min's life and to repent for his deeds built a temple adjacent to Myet Taw Pyay.

It is called a double pagoda as there are two pagodas. The one behind in the picture above is Atwin Zigon which was built by King Kyaung Hptyu and the one in fore front, Myet Taw Pyay built by King Kyanzitha.

inscription stone

Myet Taw Pyay Pagoda:

Built by King Kyansitta, this is the one which one sets eyes on first. 

image of Buddha on the east side

chinthe

small stupas on terraces

receding terrace with small stupas on sides

Buddha images in a niche

chinthe on sides

A small solid temple at the base of stupa on the northern terrace is dedicated to Myo Lei Sandi Devi and two wooden statues of two nat brothers. But the place was empty.

Atwin Zigon Paya:

This is where that Shin Arahan, Kyanzinttha Alaung Sithu, Rakhine King Thet Min Katan and Min Maha Giri promised to help each other.

stupa  of Atwin Zigon Paya having small stupas at edges with hti on top

probably had an image at the base

image inside a ordination hall

A lone pillar stands with inverted lotus petals and with hti on top.

Though, a very small pagoda, it is very close to the palace so a good idea to have a look at it.