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Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan
Temple
190 views
Old Bagan, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Year Built
1050 CE (11th century)
Period
Medieval Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta)
Patronage
King Anawrahta of Bagan Empire
Material Used
ईंट - Īnt (Red Brick)बलुआ पत्थर - Baluā Patthar (Sandstone)चूना पलस्तर - Chunā Palastar (Lime Stucco)चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar)
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan
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Heritage Overview
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple, located within the ancient city walls of Bagan in Myanmar, represents the only surviving dedicated Hindu temple in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, constructed in the 11th century CE during a period when Myanmar, historically known as Brahma Desha (Land of Brahma), formed part of the greater Hindu rashtra extending across Southeast Asia through cultural, religious, and commercial connections with ancient India. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and featuring depictions of his ten avatars (Dashavatara), stands as a powerful testament to the deep Hindu heritage of Myanmar, which maintained strong connections to Indian civilization through trade routes, religious exchanges, and cultural diffusion for over two millennia. The temple complex, constructed primarily from red brick with sandstone decorative elements, features a distinctive square plan with steep-rising terraces characteristic of early Bagan architecture, rising approximately 12 meters and housing a central sanctum that originally contained life-sized stone statues of Vishnu and his various incarnations including Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. The temple’s architectural style demonstrates the synthesis of Indian Hindu temple design with local Bagan construction techniques, incorporating elements from both North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian traditions that were transmitted to Myanmar through centuries of cultural exchange. Archaeological evidence indicates the temple was constructed during the reign of King Anawrahta (1044-1077 CE), who established the Bagan Empire and maintained strong diplomatic and religious connections with India, importing Buddhist texts, Hindu iconography, and architectural knowledge from the subcontinent. The temple’s location within the Bagan city walls, surrounded by thousands of Buddhist pagodas, reflects the syncretic nature of religious practice in ancient Myanmar, where Hindu deities were venerated alongside Buddhist traditions, demonstrating the region’s role as a cultural bridge between India and Southeast Asia. The temple has undergone multiple restorations, with the most significant work conducted in the 20th century to stabilize the structure and preserve the remaining Vishnu sculptures. Today, Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Bagan Archaeological Zone, serving as a crucial reminder of Myanmar’s ancient Hindu heritage and its historical connection to the greater Hindu rashtra that extended across the Indian subcontinent and into Southeast Asia through shared religious, cultural, and commercial networks. ([1][2])
Historical Context
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple was constructed in the 11th century CE during the reign of King Anawrahta (1044-1077 CE), who established the Bagan Empire and maintained strong connections with India, importing Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The temple served as a center for Vishnu worship in a region that was historically part of the greater Hindu rashtra, with Myanmar known as Brahma Desha reflecting its deep Hindu heritage. The temple was constructed during a period of flourishing cultural exchange between India and Southeast Asia, with Bagan serving as a major center for the transmission of Indic religious and cultural traditions. The temple has undergone multiple restorations, with significant work in the 20th century. The site was inscribed as part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. ([1][2])
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
25,000 MMK (approx. 20 USD) for a 3-day Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass, covering all temples in the zone. Free for children under 10 years.
Best Visit Times
November to February: This period offers the coolest and driest weather, making it ideal for exploring the temples comfortably. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) are best to avoid the midday heat and experience sunrise or sunset views over the plains. Consider visiting during the Ananda Pagoda Festival (January) or the Thadingyut/Tazaungdaing Festivals (October/November) for a vibrant cultural experience, though crowds will be larger.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Medieval Period
Influences
Bagan Temple Architecture, Indian Nagara Style, Dravidian Temple Influences, Hindu Vishnu Temple Design, Southeast Asian Brick Architecture, Indic Cosmological Planning
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bagan Archaeological Zone)
Preservation Status
Good; temple preserved; UNESCO World Heritage protection; ongoing maintenance. ([1][2])
Conservation Status
Good; preserved; UNESCO protection; ongoing maintenance ensures preservation. ([1][2])
Archaeological Survey
Surveyed By
Myanmar Department of Archaeology, UNESCO
Survey Date
20th century, 2019
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Excavation Details
Archaeological surveys have revealed construction phases, evidence of Vishnu worship, and connections to Indian architectural traditions.
Restoration Work
Multiple restorations in 20th century; structural stabilization; conservation of Vishnu sculptures; UNESCO inscription protection. ([1][2])
Patronage
King Anawrahta of Bagan Empire
Construction Technique
Builders meticulously laid courses of fired red brick, bonding them with lime mortar derived from local sources. Sandstone elements, such as doorframes and lintels, were precisely cut and fitted into the brick matrix, often using dry-stacking techniques for specific components. Construction likely progressed in stages, with timber scaffolding supporting workers and materials as walls rose. The process involved significant manual labor, from quarrying and brick firing to the final stucco application, reflecting established regional practices for monumental brick structures influenced by Indian temple building traditions.
Architectural Influences
Bagan Temple Architecture, Indian Nagara Style, Dravidian Temple Influences, Hindu Vishnu Temple Design, Southeast Asian Brick Architecture, Indic Cosmological Planning
Building Techniques
The temple showcases sophisticated corbelling, a hallmark of Indo-Dravidian and Nagara styles, employed to create its vaulted ceilings and possibly the superstructure's upper tiers. Precision brickwork, often utilizing specific bonding patterns for enhanced stability, forms the primary structural fabric. Intricate stucco ornamentation, applied over the brick, demonstrates a refined artistic and technical skill, allowing for detailed sculptural depictions of deities and narrative scenes. This technique provided both aesthetic finish and a protective layer over the masonry.
Coordinates
21.168580, 94.861750
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
5 items
Best Visit Times
November to February: This period offers the coolest and driest weather, making it ideal for exploring the temples comfortably. Early morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) are best to avoid the midday heat and experience sunrise or sunset views over the plains. Consider visiting during the Ananda Pagoda Festival (January) or the Thadingyut/Tazaungdaing Festivals (October/November) for a vibrant cultural experience, though crowds will be larger.
Seasonal Events
4 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, out of respect for the religious sanctity of the site.","Shoes and socks must be removed before entering the temple premises.","Climbing on the ancient temples is strictly prohibited for preservation purposes and visitor safety.","Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography inside the temple's darker interiors should be avoided, and respect should be shown to worshippers.","Loud talking, disruptive behavior, and touching ancient structures or artifacts are prohibited."]
View Count
190
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T08:58:35.27744+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan?
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan is a historic Temple located in Mandalay, Myanmar. This Nagara architecture style, Indo-Dravidian architecture style, Bagan Temple architecture style, Southeast Asian Brick architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Medieval Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Myanmar. Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple, located within the ancient city walls of Bagan in Myanmar, represents the only surviving dedicated Hindu temple in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, constructed in the 11th cent...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Old Bagan, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, MandalayPeriod:
Medieval PeriodStyle:
Nagara architecture style, Indo-Dravidian architecture style, Bagan Temple architecture style, Southeast Asian Brick architecture styleArchitectural Features
- 1Pyramidal tower (Vimana) with intricate sculptural decoration
- 2Rectangular sanctum (Garbhagriha) housing the main deity
- 3Columned halls (Mandapa) for congregation and rituals
- 4Ornate gateway (Gopuram) with carved figures
Key Features of Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan
- 1Nagara architecture style, Indo-Dravidian architecture style, Bagan Temple architecture style, Southeast Asian Brick architecture style architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using ईंट - Īnt (Red Brick), बलुआ पत्थर - Baluā Patthar (Sandstone), चूना पलस्तर - Chunā Palastar (Lime Stucco), चूना - Chunā (Lime Mortar), showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using Builders meticulously laid courses of fired red brick, bonding them with lime mortar derived from local sources. Sandstone elements, such as doorframes and lintels, were precisely cut and fitted into the brick matrix, often using dry-stacking techniques for specific components. Construction likely progressed in stages, with timber scaffolding supporting workers and materials as walls rose. The process involved significant manual labor, from quarrying and brick firing to the final stucco application, reflecting established regional practices for monumental brick structures influenced by Indian temple building traditions. construction methods
- 4UNESCO World Heritage Site with global cultural significance
- 5Commissioned by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta), reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Good; preserved; UNESCO protection; ongoing maintenance ensures preservation. ([1][2])
What Makes Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan Special?
- 1Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value
- 2Exceptional example of Nagara architecture style, Indo-Dravidian architecture style, Bagan Temple architecture style, Southeast Asian Brick architecture style architecture
- 3Royal patronage by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta), reflecting historical significance
- 4The construction of Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple in the 11th century CE under King Anawrahta represented a significant moment in the religious pluralism of early Bagan, establishing a formal Vaishnava presence within the nascent empire. This temple was not merely a place of worship but a testament to Anawrahta's strategic engagement with diverse Indic traditions, likely catering to the influential Indian merchant communities and Hindu courtiers residing in Bagan. Its original design, featuring ten niches dedicated to the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, underscored a sophisticated understanding of Puranic Hinduism, directly imported from the Indian subcontinent and reflecting a broader cultural exchange that shaped *Brahma Desha*. Historically, Nat-Hlaung Kyaung stands as a unique architectural and religious artifact, providing invaluable insight into the complex religious tapestry of Bagan prior to the widespread consolidation of Theravada Buddhism. The temple's blend of North Indian Nagara *sikhara* and South Indian Dravidian-influenced *mandapa* elements, executed in local brick, illustrates the dynamic maritime and overland connections that facilitated the transmission of Indic architectural and iconographic traditions. Its singular survival, amidst the eventual decline of overt Hindu patronage, highlights its foundational importance during a period when Bagan actively absorbed and synthesized diverse spiritual currents from the greater Hindu *rashtra*.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan
| KEntry Fee | 25,000 MMK (approx. 20 USD) for a 3-day Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass, covering all temples in the zone. Free for children under 10 years. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan is located in Old Bagan, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, Mandalay. The nearest major city is Old Bagan. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 21.16858, 94.86175.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: 25,000 MMK (approx. 20 USD) for a 3-day Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass, covering all temples in the zone. Free for children under 10 years.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Medieval Period
Construction of Nat-Hlaung Kyaung Temple Bagan by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta)
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bagan Archaeological Zone)
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation