Mahabodhi Temple Bagan
Discover Mahabodhi Temple, a unique pyramidal marvel in Bagan inspired by India's sacred site, adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Pleasant weather for exploring
Mahabodhi Temple Bagan
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Mahabodhi Temple, a unique pyramidal marvel in Bagan inspired by India's sacred site, adorned with hundreds of Buddha statues.
"Its distinct pyramidal design sets it apart from the usual Bagan pagodas."
Unique Architecture Alert
Don't miss this temple; its pyramidal design is unlike others in Bagan! :camerawithflash:
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to easily navigate between temples and reach Mahabodhi Temple. :motorcycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pyramidal Architecture
Exterior
Unique pyramidal design inspired by India's Mahabodhi Temple, a stark contrast to other Bagan pagodas.
Buddha Niches
Exterior Walls & Towers
Hundreds of small niches housing Buddha statues adorn the walls, creating a visually rich facade.
Historical Significance
Main Structure
Built in the 13th century by King Hitlominlo, modeled after the Indian temple where Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport & Travel Prep
Navigating Bagan's Temples
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Unique Architecture Alert
Don't miss this temple; its pyramidal design is unlike others in Bagan! :camerawithflash:
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to easily navigate between temples and reach Mahabodhi Temple. :motorcycle:
I would like to visit is the Mahabodhi temple complex
Travelers who've been to Bodhgaya, do you know how to bring phone inside Mahabodhi Temple?
Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any temple in Bagan. :pray:
Sunrise/Sunset Views
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of the temple's intricate details. :sunriseovermountains:
What's the fuss in Bagan?
Tips
from all over the internet
Unique Architecture Alert
Don't miss this temple; its pyramidal design is unlike others in Bagan! :camerawithflash:
E-bike for Exploration
Rent an e-bike to easily navigate between temples and reach Mahabodhi Temple. :motorcycle:
Dress Respectfully
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any temple in Bagan. :pray:
Sunrise/Sunset Views
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos of the temple's intricate details. :sunriseovermountains:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Mahabodhi Temple a refreshing change from typical Bagan pagodas due to its unique pyramidal architecture and the hundreds of Buddha statues adorning its exterior. Its historical significance as a replica of the Indian Mahabodhi Temple adds to its appeal, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking architectural diversity and a deeper understanding of Buddhist influences.
"Maha Bodhi Phaya is a unique temple in Bagan, inspired by the famous Mahabodhi Temple in India. Its distinct pyramidal design sets it apart from the typical Bagan pagodas. The detailed carvings on the exterior make it an interesting site to explore. It’s worth a visit if you want to see something different from the usual temple architecture in the area."
Tibor
"Maha Bodhi Phaya - the buddhist temple - was built in the XIII century by the King Hitlominlo. It's modeled after the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar (India), where Buddha first achieved enlightenment."
Denis Gorkun
"It is definitely worth checking this temple because its design is different from most others in Bagan. Built at the beginning of the thirteenth century, Maha Bodhi Phaya has conic shaped towers that taper off towards the sky, creating shapes that are similar to that of small pyramids. Hundreds of small niches, each with a small statue of Buddha, adorn the external walls and the aforementioned towers. The building's architecture is inspired from an Indian temple called Mahabodhi Temple."
Georges Younes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mahabodhi Temple is located within the Bagan archaeological zone. The most popular way to get around is by renting an e-bike, which allows you to easily travel between the numerous temples. Taxis and horse carts are also available, though e-bikes offer more freedom and are often more budget-friendly.
Yes, Mahabodhi Temple is quite distinctive with its unique pyramidal shape, making it stand out from the more traditional stupas. It's well-marked on most maps of the Bagan archaeological zone.
Many travelers opt for e-bikes for their flexibility and affordability. They are easy to operate and allow you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a local guide with a car or a horse cart for a more guided experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need to purchase an archaeological zone pass to enter the Bagan archaeological zone, which includes Mahabodhi Temple. This pass is typically valid for several days.
The temple complex is generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's advisable to check locally for any specific timings, especially during festivals or special events.
The entrance fee is for the entire Bagan archaeological zone, not for individual temples like Mahabodhi. Once you have your zone pass, you can enter most temples freely.
While the temple is open from dawn till dusk, visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, is highly recommended to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best light for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its numerous Buddha niches offers fantastic photographic opportunities. The pyramidal structure itself is also very photogenic, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is golden.
Generally, photography is allowed in the outdoor areas. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially inside any inner sanctums if accessible.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful light, casting a warm glow on the temple's intricate details and architecture.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Mahabodhi Temple's most striking feature is its unique pyramidal design, inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in India. It also features hundreds of small niches with Buddha statues covering its exterior walls and towers, unlike the more common stupa shapes found elsewhere in Bagan.
As with all religious sites in Myanmar, it's important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.
Yes, licensed local guides can be hired at the entrance to the archaeological zone or through your accommodation. They can provide historical context and insights into the temple's significance.
Built in 1215 by King Hitlominlo, it's modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, India, the site where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a local guide who can make the history and stories of the temples come alive for younger minds. The sheer number of statues at Mahabodhi Temple can spark curiosity and imagination. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and plan for breaks in shaded areas to manage the heat. The open spaces around the temple can also be good for kids to stretch their legs, provided they are supervised.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the temple at its best, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. The warm, soft light will highlight the carvings and create dramatic shadows. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the temple's unique design. Be mindful of other visitors and worshippers, and always seek permission before taking close-up photos of people.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel: A Blend of Styles
The inspiration from the Indian Mahabodhi Temple is significant, as it marks the spot where Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. This connection imbues the Bagan temple with a profound historical and religious importance. While other Bagan temples often have four entrances, Mahabodhi Temple is noted for having a single golden Buddha at its sole entrance. Adjacent to the main structure, you might find areas of ruin excavation, hinting at further historical layers waiting to be uncovered.
Exploring Mahabodhi Temple offers a different perspective on Bagan's vast temple landscape. Its unique architectural style, coupled with the sheer number of Buddha images, makes it a memorable stop for any visitor seeking to understand the diverse influences on Myanmar's religious art and architecture. The detailed carvings and the overall form provide ample opportunities for photography, especially during the soft light of dawn or dusk.
Navigating Bagan: E-bikes and Beyond
For those who prefer a more guided experience or wish to cover more ground, hiring a local guide with a car is another excellent option. Guides can offer invaluable historical context and insights into the significance of each temple, including Mahabodhi's unique design. Alternatively, traditional horse carts offer a more leisurely and romantic way to explore, though they are typically slower and may not cover as much distance. Regardless of your choice, ensure your transportation allows you to comfortably visit Mahabodhi Temple and its surrounding attractions.
When planning your temple hopping, remember that the Bagan archaeological zone is vast. It's wise to have a map and perhaps a rough itinerary, but also allow for spontaneous discoveries. Mahabodhi Temple, with its distinctive look, is a must-see, and having a good transport plan will ensure you can easily incorporate it into your exploration of Bagan's ancient wonders.
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