Your base for exploring this tourist attraction is the heritage city of Bagan (formerly called Pagan). For travel information about Bagan, go to Bagan Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Myanmar, read also the Myanmar Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation? Use AsiaExplorers Budget Accommodation Guide, the no-frills website to cover your budget accommodation needs.
Nanpaya Temple is located a short walk south of Manuha Temple in Myinkaba village. Nanpaya Temple is believed to be either the palace where King Manuha once lived, or was built on the site of that palace. That's because the word Nanpaya means "palace temple."
Nanpaya Temple, Bagan.
Nanpaya temple is a small hollow square with a vestibule to the east. The windows are beautifully perforated windows. Inside, on four stone pillars that support the structure are stone carvings of eight three-headed Brahma figures. Adorning Nanpaya Temple are exquisite bas relief work on the frieze and pediments. The Kalatha pots with lotus flowers and floral "kanote" designs are fine examples of the art of stone masons and carvers of the early Bagan period.
The existence of Hindu deities inside Nanpaya Temple have led some scholars to believe that Nanpaya was originally a Hindu temple. In fact, it is an early Mon temple, because Kalatha pots, figures of Hamsa the (Brahmany goose) are all Mon motifs. There are also figures of the Makara, the crocodile-like sea creature and of Thiri goddesses.
Souvenir stall near Nanpaya Temple.
Exploring the Sights in Bagan
Bagan was one of the first capitals of an ancient Burmese empire. Today it is one of the world's major heritage sites. Click enter to view the sights in Bagan.
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