Upali Thein
ဥပါလိသိမ်
A mid-13th-century ordination hall with a distinctive roofline that imitates timber architecture, and whose interior walls retain exquisite 17th- and 18th-century murals.
Upali Thein stands beside the road between Shwezigon Pagoda and Ananda Temple. It is named after Upali, an eminent monk of the 13th century, and served as a thein (ordination hall) where monks held ordination ceremonies. It is a rare rectangular building in Bagan, with sloping roofs on both sides that imitate timber architecture, and crenellated finials along the ridge that mimic vanished wooden monasteries. The interior walls are covered with brightly colored murals depicting the life of the Buddha and past Buddhas. They were repainted around the 17th and 18th centuries, during the Konbaung dynasty, in a style clearly different from Bagan's early murals. To protect the murals, the interior is often locked, but you can ask the caretaker to open it. It's a convenient stop when cycling along the main road.
Opening hours
Open during the day (interior depends on staffing)
Nearby sights
- Htilominlo Temple
- Ananda Temple
- Bagan Golden Palace
- Sulamani Temple
- Shwegugyi Temple
- Mahabodhi Temple, Bagan
- Thatbyinnyu Temple
- Nathlaung Kyaung Temple