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MyanmarChronological of Bagan |
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Ranks with "World Heritage" Angkor Wat and Borobudur, Bagan is on of the three biggest Buddhist ruins in the world. In 1044 King Anawratha gain supremacy over surrounding areas and established base of Bagan Dynasty with Buddhism as its religion. 3000 more existing, numberless Pagodas and monuments were built during 11-13th centuries. Why did they erect such massive monuments?
Morning view from Mingalazedi Pagoda Donation leads to good Rebirth : In Bagan Dynasty it was generally believed that happiness rebirth could be earned by accumulate good deeds. The king and feudal lords compete with others in erecting Pagodas, Temples and monuments to beg Buddha to their good rebirth. They contributed not only monuments but also large sum of money and slaves.
Although wealth distribution brought economies activity these deeds were in a bad way Dynasty's financially by degrease. In 1287, Bagan Dynasty was overthrown by Kublai Khan's invasion.
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Difference between Pagoda (Stupa) and Temple : Everywhere in Myanmar you see stupas, sealed mound often bell-shaped called "pagodas" in English. Early Buddhism they worship stupa that contain Buddha's pieces of bone, teeth or hair. Therefore object of veneration change to Buddha image in another countries, for example in my country Japan, Burmese is heavily continues worship of stupa. Visitors pay their respects to Buddha by walking round the mound.
However huge pagoda=stupa may be there is no inner structure, just object to pray. On the contrary temple has inner structure and generally Buddha image rests in it, so we can enter the hall.
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