Ancient inscriptions dating from the 11th to 14th centuries, spanning the Bagan to Pinya periods, are housed at the Shwegugyi Pagoda in Kyaukse Township, Mandalay Region. During extended holidays, pilgrims have the opportunity to observe these remarkable artifacts.
King Anawrahta, recognized as the founder of the first Myanmar Empire and a fervent supporter of Buddhism, established 11 districts, collectively known as Ledwin areas comprising Pinle, Pyimana, Myittha, Ramone, Myingontaing, Panan, Tamoke, Thintoung, Makkhara, Tapyaktha, and Khanlu, as fortress towns in the Kyaukse plain, where the Samon, Sama, Zawgyi, Panlaung, and Dokhtawady rivers flow. Among these fortress towns, there are three in Myittha Township, five in Kyaukse Township, and three in Singaing Township currently.
Historical records reveal that the ancient town of Tamoke, surrounded by a 25-acre brick wall in shape of a horseshoe, was one of these 11 districts. It is located near Nyaungpinzauk village in the Kyaungpangon village-tract, to the east of the Panlaung River. Tamoke Shwegugyi Temple lies near Nyaungpinzauk village along the Kyaukse-TadaU Road, six miles north of Kyaukse and southeast of the old town of Tamoke.
This temple is one of nine constructed by King Anawrahta along the banks of the Panlaung River during the early Bagan period. In the late 12th century, King Narapatisithu transformed it into a double-spire temple. Its exterior boasts intricate inscriptions depicting animals, birds, humans, and figures such as Nat, Brahma, and Kinnara. According to a pagoda history compiled by historian Maung Win Maung (Tampawady), a new temple was built during the reign of King Ujjana in the 684 ME of the Pinya period, complete with stupas and various artifacts.
The Tamok Shinpin Shwegugyi Pagoda has been reconstructed, revealing mural paintings and artifacts inside. It features a two-foot-six-inch head and a ten-foot-high concrete Buddha image in the second Gandakuti chamber. The pagoda is adorned with floral designs in shapes of ogre and base-relief sculptures created by King Anawrahta. Floral motifs can be found at the four backdrops in four dimensions of the pagoda. Additionally, there are representations of a cock, elephant, deer, horse, crocodile, fish, and sculptures illustrating 550 Buddhism Jataka tales. The temple showcases concrete scriptures, stupas, and designs from the 12th century, highlighting ancient arts from the 11th to 14th centuries during the Bagan-Pindaya periods.
Thet Maung (Kyaukse)/TH
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