Surmounted by a classically proportioned corncob tower, the whitewashed Ananda Temple is among the most stylistically refined and impressive temples in Bagan. It is also the most revered by Burmese Buddhists. Its grand entranceways lead to four beautiful gilded Buddhas standing in huge recesses, inter- connected by corridors that are adorned with wonderful stone sculpture and painting. The exterior surfaces are no less sumptuously embellished, featuring bands of greenglazed terracotta plaques showing scenes from the Jatakas, episodes from the Buddha’s life. From afar, however, the golden spire is Ananda’s most readily identifiable feature, as spectac ular today as it was when Kyanzittha commissioned the building in 1105.
Outer wall and arched gateways
A high wall with arched gateways at the cardinal points encloses the whole complex. Inside the entrances, guardian deities in the seated lalitasana position, denoting spiritual ease, welcome worshippers.
Door guardians, made of exqui sitely carved and painted hard wood, flank the entrances on the east and west.
