Shwegugyi Temple
ရွှေဂူကြီးဘုရား
A temple built in 1131 by King Alaungsithu beside the royal palace; a transitional structure on a high platform whose inscription says it took only seven months to build.
Shwegugyi Temple lies in Old Bagan beside the reconstructed remains of the Golden Palace of Bagan. Built in 1131 by order of King Alaungsithu, a stone inscription in Pali inside the temple records the construction, stating that the work took only seven months. The temple stands on a brick platform about 4 metres high. It is a transitional work between the early Bagan style (Mon-influenced, with a dark interior) and the later Burmese style (bright, with soaring vertical lines). Its windows are larger, and finely carved stucco decorates the lintels and eaves. Because of its raised position and central location, it was once one of the places to watch the sunset over Thatbyinnyu and the plain. To protect the monuments, however, most pagodas now forbid climbing, and whether you can ascend the platform depends on conditions on site. Entry is by archaeological zone ticket.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Nathlaung Kyaung Temple
- Thatbyinnyu Temple
- Tharabha Gate
- Bagan Golden Palace
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bagan
- Pahtothamya Temple
- Mimalaung Kyaung
- Ananda Temple