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The Kyaukgu Umin Pagoda is the biggest and most famous among the pagodas in the Bagan area taking the name Umin (cave). It is on the bank of the Ayeyarwady, north-east of NyaungU.
Duing the reign of King Narapati Sithu, a woman spread rumours that the honourable Ashin Pandita had an affair with her. At that time, the sage made a vow and put into the Ayeyarwady water a knife and the stone with which such knoves are sharpened. The knofe and the stone floated up river. In honour of the sanctity of the vow the sage made King Narapati Sithu built the Kyauk Umin Pagoda. O remember that the stone floated on water, the pagoda was at first named Kyauk-koo Umin pagoda, but as time passed, it came to be known as the Kyaukgu Umin Pagoda, However, archaeoloists, judging fom the craft of the cave and the statues in it, estimate that the edifice mih have existed even as early as Kyansittha's time. The Kyaukgu Umin has three tiers and there is a Buddha statue and a spacious prayer hall facing the entrance. Above the first two tiers of caves, there is a apire seven cubits high. In the main edifice are found statues that coul be found in other Bagan pagodas.
The Kyaukgu Umin, whose name means “Rock Cave Tunnel”, is interesting because of the use it makes of a natural topographical feature.
Much of Bagan is flat land, but it is also cut up by ravines, and the site chosen for this temple is the precipitous side of a deep ravine. The temple is built into the cliff side and consists of a high ground storey surmounted by two receding terraces on which stands a small stupa. A high archway, flanked by perforated windows on either side, provides entry into the temple which has a large square hall. Two huge pillars in the centre provide support for the roof and terraces above. Opposite the entrance is a large image of the Buddha, seated on a lotus throne made up of carved stone slabs. High on the wall beside the Buddha are square panels of painting, while on other walls there are niches holding stone reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha. Fine carvings-in stone, instead of the more usual stucco-adorn the pillars as well as the windows, the door jamb, the pilasters, the frieze and the dado. Doors on either side of the pillars lead into a network of tunnels running deep into the hill, with caves for prayer and meditation. The ground storey of the temple belongs to the late 11th century, while the terraces above are attributed to King Narapatisithu (1174-1211).
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
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