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  Thambula Temple

 

Myanmar

The Thambula Temple in Bagan, built in 1255 AD in the jaturamuk style, i.e. with porches on all four sides, takes its name from its builder, Queen Thambula, a consort of King Uzana (ca. 1249-1256).

 

Inside, the temple features four large Buddha images. All are seated in the bhumisparsa pose, referring to Buddha's maravijaya, i.e. his ‘victory over Mara’, when he conquers all evil and attains Enlightenment.

 

  Thambula Temple

 

  Thambula Temple

 

They are positioned in the jaturathit style, i.e. back to back and facing the four directions, akin to the the Satu Lokapala (fig.), i.e. the four guardians that protect the world by presiding over the four points of the compass.

 

In addition, the temple walls are adorned with murals depicting other scenes of the Buddha's legendary life, such as this one where he is giving a discourse to his disciples, represented in the performance of a mudra that is known as dhammachakka.

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  Thambula Temple