Nanpaya Temple, Bagan

Nanpaya Temple is a small hollow square-shaped temple with a vestibule to the east, located to the south of the walled city of Bagan. It is a short walk south of Manuha Temple in Myinkaba village. Nanpaya Temple is believed to be either the palace where King Manuha once lived, or was built on the site of that palace. That's because the word Nanpaya means "palace temple."

Nanpaya Temple, Bagan.

The windows of Nanpaya Temple are beautifully perforated windows. Inside, on four stone pillars that support the structure are stone carvings of eight three-headed Brahma figures. Adorning Nanpaya Temple are exquisite bas relief work on the frieze and pediments. The Kalatha pots with lotus flowers and floral "kanote" designs are fine examples of the art of stone masons and carvers of the early Bagan period.

The existence of Hindu deities inside Nanpaya Temple have led some scholars to believe that Nanpaya was originally a Hindu temple. In fact, it is an early Mon temple, because Kalatha pots, figures of Hamsa the (Brahmany goose) are all Mon motifs. There are also figures of the Makara, the crocodile-like sea creature and of Thiri goddesses.

Souvenir stall near Nanpaya Temple.

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