Payathonzu Temple
ဘုရားသုံးဆူ
A 13th-century triple shrine in Minnanthu village, whose three interconnected halls contain murals with Mahayana and esoteric influences in a distinctive style.
Payathonzu Temple is located in Minnanthu village in southeastern Bagan. Its name means the Temple of the Three Buddhas. It consists of three side-by-side square halls connected by passageways, each topped with a small shikhara-style spire. It is generally thought to date to the late 13th century, late in the Bagan dynasty, and some work may never have been completed. The eastern and central halls preserve fine murals whose figures and subjects show clear Mahayana and even esoteric influences (Tibetan and Bengali styles), which are very rare in Theravada-dominated Bagan. The nearby Lemyethna Temple and Minnanthu village can be visited together. Conservation requirements for the murals are strict, and photography inside is usually prohibited. Bring a flashlight.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Lemyethna Temple
- Pyathada Temple
- Sulamani Temple
- Dhammayazika Pagoda
- Htilominlo Temple
- Dhammayangyi Temple
- Upali Thein
- Shwezigon Pagoda