Gawdawpalin Temple
ဂေါဓပလ္လင်ဘုရား
The second-tallest temple in Old Bagan, its roughly 55-metre white two-storey body beside the Irrawaddy, a representative example of late Bagan architecture.
Gawdawpalin Temple lies within the walls of Old Bagan, north of the Archaeological Museum. It was founded by King Narapatisithu and completed in the early 13th century by his son, King Nadaung Kaya. It stands about 55 metres tall, second only to Thatbyinnyu. The two-storey square structure has doors on all four sides, and the upper level tapers upward, giving it a clean, upright white appearance typical of the double-storey temples of the late Bagan period. In the 1975 earthquake the top was severely damaged, and it was afterwards restored to its original form. The temple enshrines four Buddha images facing the four directions, and its cloister is spacious and cool. It is recommended to plan a half-day with the Archaeological Museum and Bupaya Pagoda. Entry is covered by the Bagan Archaeological Zone ticket. You must go barefoot inside, and wear clothing that covers the knees.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mimalaung Kyaung
- Bagan Archaeological Museum
- Tharabha Gate
- Pahtothamya Temple
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bagan
- Shwegugyi Temple
- Nathlaung Kyaung Temple
- Bupaya Pagoda & Irrawaddy River