The Dhammayangyi Temple, located east of Shinbinthalaung and Shwesandaw, is the largest of all the temples located in Bagan, Myanmar. King Naruthu built it during his reign between the years 1167 and 1170. History dictates that he created the temple as a means to atone for ascending to the throne by murdering his father and brother. It is notable for its impeccable brickwork. A single story with six pyramidal terraces, the walls of this massive temple extend to roughly 225 feet on each of its four sides.
The Shwezigon Pagoda is a Buddhist temple supposedly built to enshrine one of the four replicas of the Buddha tooth in Sri Lanka. It is located northwest of Kyanzittha Umin in a town near Bagan called Nyaung Oo. The temple's bell shape was very influential as the design can be seen replicated in various temples throughout Myanmar. Interspersed around the base of the pagoda are illustrated scenes of Buddha's many lives, the 550 Jatakas, with four bronzes shrines of Buddha placed at the cardinal points.
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda, is located in Yangon. It is the most scared Buddhist temple for the people of Myanmar. Housing relics of Lord Buddha and his teachings, including 8 strands of his hair, the Shwedagon also enshrines relics of three other Buddhas, such as the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana and a piece of the robe of Kassapa. The most fascinating aspect of the pagoda is in its name. The entire temple is indeed encased in gold.
The Ananda Temple is located southeast of Tharabar Gate in Bagan. King Kyanzittha constructed the temple in 1105. The pagoda enshrines four Buddhas, with Kakusanda facing north, Kassapa facing south, Konagamana facing east and Gotama facing west. Ananda is especially famous for its annual festival on a full moon during the month of Pyatho, which usually falls between December and January. Other features include the various glazed works, stone sculptures and mural paintings that decorate the temple.
