Murals at Saddhammaranthi Temple Draw Pilgrims

25 April 2026

If visitors come on a pilgrimage and study tour to the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone in NyaungU Township, Mandalay Region, they can pay homage to the significant pagodas in Bagan and also study the 11th-century mural paintings and architectural designs inside the Saddhammaranthi Temple, according to officials from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch).

The mural paintings inside the Saddhammaranthi Temple were created in the 11th century. There is a Buddha image on a throne facing east. From the arched entrance ceiling down to the lower walls, the interior is fully decorated with mural paintings, including numerous depictions of Buddha images. Behind the seated Buddha statue, on the back of the throne, a portrayal of the Maha Bodhi tree is painted in green and dark brown colours. On the rear wall, visitors can also observe artistic murals illustrating the Buddha reclining with His head on Mount Meru and scenes rendering the Buddha’s Parinibbana.

The Shin Ijjagona Pagoda is located in the south of Saddhammaranthi Temple, while the Vinido Pagoda is in the northeast, Phayathonzu in the south, Malar Maphyit Malone Phyit Temple, a stone inscription of Theingathu Thamee (original), Thanbula Pagoda and Lemyethna Sutaungpyae Pagoda in the west. — Dipa Lin/KTZH