Manuha Temple

Manuha Temple in Bagan, Myanmar, is a captivating testament to both historical richness and spiritual symbolism. Constructed during the 11th century reign of King Manuha, this Buddhist temple stands as a unique architectural gem with a poignant narrative etched into its ancient stones.

The temple's exterior, adorned with intricate carvings, tells the story of daily life during the temple's construction period. These bas-reliefs serve as a visual chronicle, offering glimpses into the cultural and social fabric of ancient Bagan.

As one steps into the temple, the colossal Buddha images within the confined space immediately command attention. The statues, depicting the king in restrained postures, convey a sense of the historical struggles and captivity endured by King Manuha. The emotive power of these statues creates an atmosphere of contemplation, inviting visitors to connect with the challenges faced by the king during this period.

Manuha Temple's deviation from traditional temple architecture adds to its allure. The layout, with cramped interiors and unconventional positioning of the Buddha images, tells a story of individuality and perhaps the king's desire for freedom from his captors.

Despite the historical weight carried by Manuha Temple, there is an undeniable spiritual ambiance within its walls. Devotees and curious travelers alike find solace in this sacred space, where the echoes of ancient struggles and resilience resonate, creating an immersive experience that transcends time.

Preservation efforts ensure that Manuha Temple continues to stand as a living testament to Myanmar's rich history. As visitors explore its hallowed halls, they embark on a journey of discovery, where the stones themselves whisper tales of a bygone era, making Manuha Temple an essential destination for those seeking a profound blend of history and spirituality in the heart of Bagan.

About Pagoda
About the same time Makuta, captive king of the Thaton Kington (his name is now corrupted into 'Manuha'), must have built his colossal images at Myinpagan, where he was living in captivity, a mile S. of Pagan. "Stricken with remorse", says the Glass Palace Chronicle, "he built a colossal Buddha with legs crossed, and a dying Buddha as it were making pariniruâna; and he prayed saying 'Whithersoever I migrate in samsâra, may I never be conquered by another!' The temple is called Manuha to this day.

If you go there you will find that the buddha statute is big while the pagoda or the building is so narrow. The head of the Buddha touches the roof. It was said that the name of the pagoda was named as the Mon king who was arrested and made to live there. The structure was to express his feeling living unfree at that time. It is interesting to learn about the history!

Manuha Temple is one of the important historical pagoda in the Bagan. When we arrived round about 10:00 AM, it's too hot compound of pagoda. It's have back side also lean big pagoda. We didn't know before. One of the girl indicated and explained about history of pagoda without any explanation charges. But in front of the pagoda, a lot of kids are requested to explain about pagoda, if we ignore they requested money such as tip money. That's not convenient to us and disturbing to us. Some of the souvenir shops available in front of the pagoda.

Fully peaceful place and pagoda in gorgeous Bagan

Pagoda with interesting story why Buddha statue is placed in small confined temple.

We love this pagoda. With 4 big Buddha statues, wish one day we will comeback.

An extraordinary building. Western religious buildings, whether churches, synagogues, or mosques, are built to hold people. Only churches have images, and these are of secondary importance. Manuha is the apotheosis of a different tradition, the religious building built to house images. Its four rooms each hold a statue of the Buddha--with little room for anything else. The space for worshipers is less than a tenth of the floor space in each room, approximately half of volume of each room. Amazing.

One of the Ancient Bagan Pagoda

This temple that appears somewhat pyramidal is just big enough for the three huge statues of Buddha in a sitting position, and one of a recumbent Buddha.
There is a huge pot in front, reminding one of the alms seeking bowl of monks . Devotees climb up a small ladder and drop their offerings in the form of money in it. Other kinds of offering, namely rice etc. are placed in front of this bowl.
When it was learnt that the king Manuha , who constructed this temple, made it in such a cramped style as a representation of his own travails in captivity, one could not but wonder whether he constructed it out of devotion, or out of vengeance.

Great temple. Amazing recling Buddha who has a happy and sad face depending on how you look. Just behind is where the Buddhist monks live. Well worth checking out this beautiful spiritual place

The pagoda or temple that I most wanted to visit. When I get there (in December 2018), the temple was under repair and it's a nice place to visit as I have ever thought. Hopefully this temple would be kept and maintained for long term as an acient heritage like other Pagoda & Temple in Bagan.

The Manuha sanctuary is on the correct side of the primary street going south from Bagan. also, directly in Myinkaba town. Ruler Manuha's engraving says that it was inherent AD 1067 about 10 years after the Mon lord was brought to Bagan. The name of the sanctuary was given after the name of the hostage King Manuha. Generally. Manuha was viewed as perhaps the soonest sanctuary at Bagan. Legend says that it was worked by a Mon lord named. Manuha. who had been crushed and brought to Bagan as a hostage by Anawrahta.

Ancient and crowded Pagoda. Many kids infront of them good for donation foods and others.

Manuha Temple is a Buddhist temple built in Myinkaba (located near Bagan), by captive Mon King Manuha in 1067, according to King Manuha’s inscriptions. It is a rectangular building of two storeys. The building contains three images of seated Buddhas and an image of Buddha entering Nirvana. Manuha Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bagan.

About the same time Makuta, captive king of the Thaton Kingdom (his name is now corrupted into ‘Manuha’), must have built his colossal images at Myinpagan, where he was living in captivity, a mile S. of Pagan. “Stricken with remorse”, says the Glass Palace Chronicle, “he built a colossal Buddha with legs crossed, and a dying Buddha as it were making pariniruâna; and he prayed saying ‘Whithersoever I migrate in samsâra, may I never be conquered by another!’ The temple is called Manuha to this day.

Amazing! Learn the story of the importance of the sizing of the statues while there or before. Must see in Bagan. The other right around the corner is worth a visit as well.

The king built that temple to express his feeling. You can get different feeling compare to other Pagodas and temple in Bagan.

Old and nice temple.. there are 2 huge Buddha statues inside and one very large sleeping Buddha..
Worth a visit..

The pogoda is a camera snap shortcart very nice

You need to know historical background of that place to visit there because that temple is absolutely stranged from other temple in Bagan.