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Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Published May 7, 2020 | Story By SilverKris

Home to Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas, Bagan became a Unesco World Heritage site this year. More than a tourist attraction, though, photographer Dr Gilad Fiskus discovers that it is also where thousands of monks live, learn and pray.

Bagan photo essay — Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the kingdom of Bagan established Theravada Buddhism in the region, building over 10,000 temples and stupas. Unfortunately, only a fraction remain today, but Bagan is still an eminent destination for Buddhist pilgrimage.

Bagan photo essay — Every January, thousands of Buddhist monks flock to Bagan for the Ananda Pagoda Festival, where they collect alms and raise funds for their daily needs.

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Bagan photo essay — With so much history and culture packed in just 104km2, it’s no surprise Bagan is a big draw for tourists. Despite the influx of visitors, the monks who live here continue their serene, unhurried pace of life.

Bagan photo essay — During the Ananda Pagoda Festival, groups of monks – young and old – line the paths leading to the eponymous temple.

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Bagan photo essay — In Myanmar, boys from Buddhist families are obliged to spend some time in a monastery and become familiar with the fundamentals of the religion. This shot was taken in Shwegu Pahahita monastery, close to Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan.

Bagan photo essay — Monastic life can be challenging – at Shwegu Pahahita, it starts at 4am with prayers in the main assembly hall followed by a schedule of chores, classes, meditation and memorising of Buddhist scriptures, before ending at 10pm after an evening prayer session.

Bagan photo essay — Across Bagan, you’ll often find young monks sitting within the ancient temples reading Buddhist scriptures.

Bagan photo essay — It’s easy to stumble upon moments of serenity and contemplation in Bagan.

SilkAir flies daily between Singapore and Yangon. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com

SEE ALSO: Is Myanmar’s Mergui archipelago Asia’s last unspoilt island utopia?

This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of Silkwinds magazine

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