- Ananda Temple
Ananda Temple is a Buddhist temple built in 1091 during the reign of King
Kyanzittha . It is located inBagan ,Myanmar . The nameAnanda comes from the name of Buddha's cousin and personal secretary Venerable Ananda, although it was once known as Ananta Temple, coming from the phrase "ananta pinya", which translates as 'endless wisdom'. The temple is built with adapted Indian architectural styles. The temple houses four standing Buddhas, which are adorned withgold leaf , with each facing a direction, from north to south. The temple is cruciform in shape, with several terraces leading to the top, which terminates with a small pagoda and an umbrella (hti ). Along the sides of the terraces and the base of the temple areterra cotta tiles illustrating scenes from the "Jataka ". Also, there is a shrine of "Kyanzittha" and "Shin Arahan".The temple is also home to an annual festival that is held during the month of Pyahto (December to January).
References
*cite book |title=Pictorial Guide to Pagan |origyear=1955 |year=1975 |publisher=Ministry of Culture |location=Rangoon
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