Joe Louis visits the YwaHuangGyi Temple
This temple is one of the most underrated in Bagan. Not listed as a must-see in the guides and not highlighted on the tourist maps, the Ywa Huang Gyi temple is beautiful yet understated. Located northeast of Old Bagan in the Nyaung-U part of the city, I found the red-bricked sanctuary as I casually rode along Anawrahta Road. The temple is welcoming with only a low wall surrounding it and no gateways or outer staircases.
When I stopped by in the morning time, there were only two other people visiting. It was quiet and peaceful and there were no vendors outdoors selling paintings or scrolls. Just the building and the its grassy backdrop.
The inside of the temple has a dank, musky smell as if it had rained inside and no one had visited in a long time. The ceilings are very high and the rooms are very dark. It felt like a good environment for a haunted house. Just as that thought crossed my mind, a shrieking figure flew down from the black air above me, scaring the bejeezers out of me. A bat. How appropriate.
See what other blogs are saying about the YwaHuangGyi temple:
“Exploring the larger temples and stupas is a rewarding experience. Your guide can explain the contours of history surrounding each temple, framing the significance of their existence. At each temple, you must remove your shoes and socks before entering. Since many temple grounds have large outdoor areas, your feet will be scorched by the sun baked tile and brick ground. Racing between shaded clearings like a hobbled geriatric is an awkward and humorous component to temple exploration.”
–Gadling
