Grace That is Ananda
Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt
·
There is a saying in Myanmar regarding a myriad of
ancient pagodas and monuments in old Bagan:
o
xkrSm "r®&H Mass
that is Dhammayangyi
o
teHrSm oAÁnK Height
that is Thatbyinnyu
o
tEkrSm tmeE´m Grace
that is Ananda
· Meaning Dhammayangyi is the most massive temple, Thatbyinnyu is the highest temple and Ananda is the most graceful temple.
· Built by King Kyanzittha in A.D. 1091 Ananda temple is one of the finest and most venerated cave pagodas at Bagan. Tradition says that it was built according to the plan furnished by Indian Buddhist saints, which purported to be their cave Hall in the Nandamula mountain held to be in the Himalayas. Originally it was spelt "Ananta" meaning Ananta Panna, the endless wisdom of the Buddha. But the original name Ananta changed later to Ananda which was the name of the Buddha's cousin monk. Ananda temple today in 2003 is 912 years old. Its original design has been faithfully maintained and religious and artistic work have been well preserved, inspite of damages it suffered caused by elements, earthquake, fire war, vandalism and old age. Some of its original art works have been destroyed lost or looted. But many survive till today thanks to the skill of the artists and maintenance and care of the devotees.
· The plan of this elegant edifice is a square at the base, representing four cardinal directions. Four Buddha statues in standing posture are meant to be preaching the Dhamma to those who come from the four corners of the Universe. The spacious high hall which houses these statues is superbly adorned with ornate art works. The temple's precinct is fenced by a long wall on each side of 588 feet in length.
· There are four archways, each on one side, through which entrance is made. The Temple at the base measures 295 feet and its height 168 feet. Two tiers of windows in the walls of the main structure provide good lighting and ventilation. In addition to four colossal statues of standing Buddha, each measuring 31 feet in height, there are 1424 images in the Temple. In the niches of the outer corridor are a series of eighty reliefs illustrating the life story of the Buddha from his birth to the attainment of supreme wisdom. Eight hundred and ninety-one glazed plaques depicting Jataka stories adorn the upper tiers. Numerous glazed terra cotta tiles ornament the base and the receding terraces. They also bear religious stories with gods and goddesses paying homage to the Buddha and hosts of Mara's warriors. Glazed plaques are inscribed with old Mon letters.
· Its religious significance, architectural design and artistic accomplishment make Ananda Temple win fame, admiration and marvel at home and abroad. In Myanmar classical literature great writers have described this Temple as the exact imitation of Nandamu Cave in the Himalayas, which was miraculously revealed to King Kyanzittha by eight Holy Saints. But historians hold that the great skill and high artistic imagination of its builder-donor, architects and artists could not but inspire such a figurative description.
· There are, however, later art works at this Temple. During the reign of King Bodawpaya [A.D. 1782-1819] statues of Lion, elaborately carved wooden doors, images of King Kyanzittha and the great Primate Shin Arahan were added. Original mural paintings which once adorned all the interior walls have been sadly erased by years of lime coating by pious devotees. Three long causeways on three sides were constructed in the last 80 years.
· This over nine century old Temple of old Bagan is the sum total of physical and mental labour, technical skill, artistic achievement, generosity and reverence of the Myanmar who profess Buddhism as their spiritual faith. To-day Ananda Temple stands as the pride of place for Buddhism and Myanmar culture.
Height.....................................................168 feet
Base area...............................................295 feet
Total No. of open vestibules......................160
Total No. of closed vestibules..................1524
Total No. of Buddha images.....................1424
Total No. of surrounding pagodas..........1029
Total No. of statues of gods and goddesses......................................................28
Total No. of statues of lions......................148
Total No. of glazed plaques.....................1472
(These glazed plaques are the original art work depicting 550 Jataka stories.)
Total No. of statues of guardian spirits........8
Total No. of statues of Holy Saints.................7
Statue of King Kyanzittha..............................1
Statue of great Primate Shin Arahan..............1
Total No. of statues of Buddha in previous existences.........................................................98
Total No. of Stone statues................................80
Total No. of Stone statues in four
vestibule.........................................................48
Total No. of stone image of Buddha observing lent.................................................................1304