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Home » Experience » Heritage » Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Published May 7, 2020 | Story By SilverKris
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Bagan photo essay

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.
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.
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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