Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the kingdom of Bagan established 

Theravada Buddhism in the region, building over 10,000 temples and stupas. 

Unfortunately, only a fraction remain today, but Bagan is still an eminent 

destination for Buddhist pilgrimage.

Every January, thousands of Buddhist monks flock to Bagan for the Ananda 

Pagoda Festival, where they collect alms and raise funds for their daily needs.

With so much history and culture packed in just 104km², it’s no surprise 

Bagan is a big draw for tourists. Despite the influx of visitors, the monks 

who live here continue their serene, unhurried pace of life.

During the Ananda Pagoda Festival, groups of monks – young and old – 

line the paths leading to the eponymous temple.

In Myanmar, boys from Buddhist families are obliged to spend some time in a 

monastery and become familiar with the fundamentals of the religion. This shot

 was taken in Shwegu Pahahita monastery, close to Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan.

Monastic life can be challenging – at Shwegu Pahahita, it starts at 4am with 

prayers in the main assembly hall followed by a schedule of chores, classes, 

meditation and memorising of Buddhist scriptures, before ending at 10pm 

after an evening prayer session.

Across Bagan, you’ll often find young monks sitting within the ancient temples 

reading Buddhist scriptures.

It’s easy to stumble upon moments of serenity and contemplation in Bagan.

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SEE ALSO: Is Myanmar’s Mergui archipelago Asia’s last unspoilt island utopia?
This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of Silkwinds magazine
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