Nagayon Temple

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan

Nagayon means Protected by Naga. It was established by King Kyansittha (reigned circa 1084–1113) in the 11th century. According to the sutras, a Naga King named Mucalinda protected the Buddha from heavy rain during his practice after his enlightenment, and thus the Naga King became a Dharma protector in Buddhism. It is also said that King Kyansittha was shielded by a small naga when he was exiled to Bagan. After ascending the throne, King Kyansittha built this temple.
The style of the temple is similar to that of Ananda Temple. It faces north and there is a large portico on the north side forming the entrance. The portico is paved with green glazed stones and contains niches that hold stone reliefs of the Buddha. The temple consists of a single rectangular story surmounted by three terraces leading to the pagoda structure above. At each corner of the terraces there is an ancillary pagoda. The Khmer style pagoda has a tapered curved shape with multiple corners. The white, bell-shaped spire is surmounted by stacked rings followed by a golden finial.
The central shrine inside the temple is square and is surrounded by a corridor with niches holding the images of the Twenty-Eight Past Buddhas. A huge standing image of the Buddha protected by a naga and flanked by two attendants is enshrined within. Dim light comes in through the perforated windows, which is a distinctive Mon architectural feature.