Nathlaung Kyaung Temple
နတ်လှောင်ကျောင်း
The only surviving Hindu temple in Old Bagan, dedicated to Vishnu in the 10th and 11th centuries, reflecting the religious diversity of Bagan.
Nathlaung Kyaung Temple lies in Old Bagan between Thatbyinnyu Temple and Sulamani Temple. It is the only surviving Hindu temple in Bagan, generally dated to the 10th and 11th centuries. It was originally dedicated to Vishnu and served the Indian merchants and craftsmen who settled in Bagan at the time. The name Nathlaung means a place where gods were imprisoned. Legend says that when King Anawrahta promoted Theravada Buddhism, he gathered non-Buddhist statues here. The square brick temple once had sandstone statues of Vishnu's ten avatars on its outer walls. Some were removed in the 20th century, but the surviving fragments remain recognizable. The temple is small, so a visit takes about 15 minutes, and it can be included while touring Thatbyinnyu Temple.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Thatbyinnyu Temple
- Shwegugyi Temple
- Pahtothamya Temple
- Tharabha Gate
- Bagan Golden Palace
- Mimalaung Kyaung
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bagan
- Ananda Temple