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Bagan (formerly Pagan) was one of the glories of Asia, described by Marco Polo as "one of the finest sights in the world”

Nat Taung Kyaung (or Nat-taung Monastery, also known at May-taung Taik), is located in the vicinity of Taung-bi village and immediately to the north of the town walls of Old Bagan. Although its date of founding is uncertain, it is probably the region's oldest, as well as its finest, wooden monastery.

Myoe Daung Kyaung or Myo Daung Monastery means the Monastery at the corner of the city.

Unlike the far older brick, stone and stucco stupas and temples that have survived in the Bagan Archaeological Zone, Bagan monasteries, and those of Myanmar in general, were generally made of wood.

Many of the wooden monasteries with architectural significance have disappeared over the centuries for a variety of reasons. Unlike the temples and stupas, which were sites of public veneration and worship, monasteries were places of residence for monks who had little or no income and were expected to accept their given conditions. Wealthy individuals had often built elaborate monasteries and enclaves as personal donations to earn merit along the road to Nirvana. But the maintenance and renovation of these buildings did not carry the same weight among their descendents who preferred to build their own new structures.

Monastic buildings, and wooden houses in general, were usually set on wooden platforms that offered ventilation as well as some protection from snakes and a variety of other unwelcome and unsavory intruders. Such is the case at Nat Taung.

The complex actually

contains two monasteries,

numerous pavilions, rest houses and

ancillary buildings. The

main monastery

building, with an east-west orientation, is approximately 130 ft. x 115

ft. (40 m. x 35 m)

Its glory and what should be a major claim to prominence lies in its numerous woodcarvings which are also mostly from the late Kon-baung period of the mid- to late 19th century.

In the center of the compound  are four standing buddhas that are almost 10 meters in height and made of solid teak; they are representative of the four buddhas that have attained nirvana. Of the four standing buddhas, only two are original because the other two were  destroyed by fire. The Buddha Images are Kassapa, Kakusanda, Konagamana and Gotama

The attention to detail in the carvings has made the monastery a popular attraction

There have been occasional efforts at refurbishment, but recently much of the main monastery building has been undergoing careful restoration. Funds have reported come from abroad, while the Department of Archaeology has assumed responsibility for its maintenance at this time and has done much to restore its former glory with authenticity. The nearby wooden Taung-bi Monastery, for example, was even disassembled in an effort to provide craftsmen with familiarity with construction techniques that could be used in refurbishing other monasteries.

children selling hand-drawn postcards

An old Asian proverb says the world’s most beautiful women have a Thai smile, Indian eyes, and Burmese skin. Perhaps the Burmese have thanaka to thank for the glowing reputation of their complexion.

Sound: Hlaing Win Maung - Light green (Kyo Song of The Bo Tree)

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu & InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda