Burma/ Myanmar: The Ananda Pagoda in Bagan, Upper Burma, c.1920s.

Perhaps the highest revered temple in Bagan, the Ananda Pagoda was built in 1105 AD during the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084–1113) of the Bagan Dynasty. It is one of four surviving original temples of Bagan (also called Pagan). The temple layout is in a cruciform with several terraces leading to a small pagoda at the top covered by an umbrella (‘hti’).

The Buddhist temple houses four standing Buddhas—facing east, north, west and south. The temple is said to be an architectural wonder in a fusion of Mon and adopted Indian styles of architecture.

It was damaged in the earthquake of 1975. However, it has been fully restored and is well maintained by frequent painting and whitewashing of the walls. On the occasion of the 900th anniversary of its construction celebrated in 1990 the temple spires were gilded.

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