Travel Links
|
|
It was buil by King Alaung Sithu in AD 1131, one of the most prominent of all built by the king. It was on a considerably raised plinth like a mushroom growing out of the ground.
It is located in site of the ancient palace grounds, west of the old library building. It was styled after the Gandakuti Taik at Jetavum Monastery of Thawutti, designed by Shin Sariputtara. It enshrines Sacred Relics revered by successive kings. In its Gandakui Taik is an image of Buddha with a golden umbrella. According to inscriptions it was built in seven months. On the stone inscription pillar out-side is written hat King Bayintnaung donated some revenue receipts to this pagoda. On the wall on the left of the entrance to the cave inside were imbedded two stone insciptions describing its construction and the king's prayer in Pali and Sanskrit This, the “Golden Cave Temple”, does not figure among the larger monuments of Bagan. Nonetheless, it is a very elegant temple, transitional in style between the Early and the late. Constructed in 1311 by King Alaungsithu (1113-1163), it features large dorrways and open windows, making the interior bright and airy. The temple, facing north, stands on a high brick platform and can be reached by a flight of steps at the northeast corner. The interior contains a hall and a corridor running around a central mass. Receding square terraces rise above the main structure, with stupas at each of the four corners. Above the terraces rises a curvilinear spire, crowned by a stupa. The arch pediments, pilasters, plinth and cornice mouldings are decorated with fine stucco carving. Set into the inner walls is an inscription on two stone slabs. Written in elegant Pali verse, it expresses Alaungsithu’s aspiration to Buddhahood: “I would build a causeway sheer athwart. The river of samsara, and all folk. Would speed across thereby until they reach The blessed City. I myself would cross And drag the drowning over. Aye, myself Tamed, I would tame the willful; comforted, Comfort the timid; wakened, Wake the asleep; Cool, cool the burning; freed, Set free the bound …” The inscription also records that the building of the temple started on 17th May 1131 and completed on 17th December 1131 took seven months. The Shwegugyi, built with so noble aspiration, became the place where its builder came to a tragic end. The chronicles relate that, as Alaungsithu lay seriously ill, his son moved him from the royal palace to the Shwegugyi. Alaungsithu recovered enough to ask where he was, but the son hurried to the temple to smother him to death. Reference
1. Ancient Pagodas in Myanmar Vol I , Jan 2003, by Myat Min Hlaing 2. Glimpses of Glorious Bagan, Jan 1996, by The Universities Historical Research Centre
|
