Bagan
ပုဂံ (Băgam)
Also known as: Pagan
Religions: Buddhism | Place Type: Ancient site | Region: Asia | UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overview
Bagan is an ancient city in Myanmar's Mandalay Region, containing over 2,200 Buddhist temples, stupas, and monasteries across a 104 square kilometer plain along the Irrawaddy River. It is one of the most significant Theravada Buddhist sites in Southeast Asia. Due to ongoing political instability in Myanmar, the site is currently not accessible to foreign visitors. Bagan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
Present
Bagan's temples and monasteries remain active sites of Theravada Buddhist worship. Monks reside in some monasteries and pilgrims visit regularly. The site is managed by Myanmar's Ministry of Culture with UNESCO oversight. Conservation work continues with support from UNESCO and international partners including Germany, France, and Thailand. Climbing is restricted to five designated temples to reduce structural damage. In recent years, due to political instability, foreign tourism has effectively ceased. In 2025, military operations displaced over 20,000 residents from villages in the immediate vicinity of the archaeological zone. The local economy, previously dependent on tourism, is severely affected. The safety of the monuments and the surrounding civilian population remains a concern. Most governments advise against all travel to Myanmar.
Religious Significance
Bagan is a major center of Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia. The Pagan Kingdom (849–1297 CE) established Theravada Buddhism as the state religion of the region that became modern Myanmar. The thousands of stupas at the site represent Mount Meru in Buddhist cosmology, the axis of the world. Stupas contain relic chambers holding sacred Buddhist relics, texts, or ritual objects. Two main architectural forms are present. Stupa-style structures are solid, serving as objects of veneration. Gu-style structures are hollow temples with interior chambers for worship, featuring pointed arches and vaulted ceilings.
Theravada Buddhist practice at the site includes circumambulation of stupas, offerings, meditation, and study of Buddhist texts. Ananda Temple (built 1091) is among the principal pilgrimage destinations.
History & Structure
Bagan was founded in the 9th century and became the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first state to unify the regions of modern Myanmar. Under King Anawrahta (reigned 1044–1077), Theravada Buddhism was established as the state religion. Over 10,000 religious monuments were constructed across the plain during the following 250 years. The city's role as political capital ended in 1287 following Mongol invasions.
The site lies in an active seismic zone. Major earthquakes in 1975 and 2016 damaged several hundred temples. Approximately 2,200–2,300 monuments remain in various states of preservation. The archaeological zone covers 104 square kilometers and includes four settlements: Old Bagan, New Bagan, Myinkaba, and Nyaung-U. Restoration work carried out in the 1990s drew international criticism for use of modern materials and historically inaccurate methods. UNESCO designated Bagan a World Heritage Site in 2019.