Shwegugyi Temple, Bagan

Shwegugyi Temple


Shwegugyi Temple is an ancient Burmese Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar. It is also written as Shwegu Gyi Phaya in Burmese. The temple sits on a 3-meter (13-foot) base. It tapers to culminate with a spire at the top. By Bagan standard, it is a moderate-size temple, but the time taken to build it is quite amazing. It was built by King Alaungsithu in 1131. He took only seven and a half months (19 March 1131 to 16 December 1131) to complete the temple.

Funding from Alaungsithu for the construction of Shwegugyi is inscribed on two stone stalae which are set into the wall of the sanctum. They face the main statue of the temple, though this might not be their original location. The main Buddha image in Shwegugyi Temple is a statue of a seated Buddha. Light comes in to illuminate the sanctum interior from nine doors and windows.

Shwegug Gyi Phaya


Shwegugyi Temple is significant in that it is the first temple in Bagan not to have stone sculptures but instead stucco. On the rear side of the temple was a row of deities arranged along the edge of the foundation wall. Many of these wave toppled over, with only a few surviving to this day.

The Shwegugyi Temple underwent extensive refurbishment in the late 18th or 19th century. During this time, its original frescoes were whitewashed. The huge double-doorways of the temple were also added during the refurbishment of 1771.

Shwegugyi Temple is one of just two temples in Old Bagan where visitors can climb up to the upper terraces (the other one being Pahtothamya). There is a slight of stairs at the entrance hall that goes up there. On the lower two terraces, you can see the original glazed ceramics which are now well worn-out.

Getting there

Shwegugyi Temple is located in the heart of Old Bagan. At this site, you are surrounded by the other major monuments such as Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple. The temple is south of the paved road that continues to Tharabar Gate.

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