Abeyadana Pahto


About 1300ft south of Manuha Paya, this 11th-century temple with a Sinhalese-style stupa was supposedly built by Kyanzittha’s Bengali wife Abeyadana, who waited for him here as he hid for his life from his predecessor King Sawlu. It’s famed for its original frescoes, which were cleaned in 1987 by Unesco staff. If the temple is locked, ask at the caretaker’s house, to the south.

With a torch, you can make out many figures that Abeyadana, believed to be a Mahayanist, would likely have asked for: Bodhisattvas such as Avalokitesvara, and Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Indra. The inner shrine contains a large, brick seated buddha (partly restored); surrounding walls are lined with niches, most now empty. Inside the front wall are many Jataka scenes.

Some visitors enjoy the sunset at the often overlooked Kyasin temple across the road.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Nan Paya

0.16 MILES

Just south of Manuha Paya by dirt road, this shrine is said to have been used as Manuha’s prison, although there is little evidence supporting the legend…

2. Somingyi Kyaung

0.19 MILES

Named after the woman who supposedly sponsored its construction, this typical late-Bagan brick monastery (about 650ft southwest of Nagayon) is thought to…

3. Nagayon

0.22 MILES

Slightly south of Abeyadana and across the road, this elegant and well-preserved temple was built by Kyanzittha. The main buddha image is twice life-size…

4. Manuha Paya

0.31 MILES

In Myinkaba village stands this active and rather modern-looking pagoda (although it dates from 1059). It is named after Manuha, the Mon king from Thaton…

5. Gubyaukgyi

0.63 MILES

Just to the left of the road as you enter Myinkaba, Gubyaukgyi (Great Painted Cave Temple) draws visitors to see the well-preserved, richly coloured…

7. Seinnyet Ama & Seinnyet Nyima Paya

0.67 MILES

The Seinnyet 'Sisters' are a pair of beautiful paya standing hand in hand next to one another. Built in the 11th century by Queen Seinnyet, the, Seinnyet…

8. Myazedi

0.74 MILES

Built in the 12th century by Prince Yazakumar as a memorial to his mother, this large and gently tapering gold pagoda is flanked by two large chinthe (…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "myanmar-burma/bagan-paganregion/bagan/attractions/abeyadana-pahto/a/poi-sig/1368677/357084",
      "position": "superzone"
    }