The numerous complexes.They are a remarkable side of the architecture at Bagan, typical is the monastery at Sale, a great wood construction. Since not all monasteries have enough funds available to build a temple there are various possibilities. A simple structure consists of only one house in which the monks live, depending on the wealth, donations and importance of the place certain buildings are added such as stupas, temples, libraries and more. A more advanced complex has its own well and his pond in a shady grove. br /> 
Until the late 12th and earlier 13th Century they (with the exception of the temples and stupas) have been made from wood. That was one of the main reason why they burned down frequently and only a few are left in the whole country. They were usually built from teak wood so they would last very long time more at Myoe Daung Monastery at Old Bagan.
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There are several interesting ones.Among them is the Myoe Daung Monastery at Old Bagan built in the 19th Century, this is a very impressive teak wood structure with two towers and always a couple of monks and novices around who are willing to make a picture more lively. The building, with an east-west orientation is about 40 x 35 meters, it is a grandiose structure with magnificent wood carvings. |
Among the most interesting monasteries is the one in Sale.
About 50 km downstream on the Irrawaddy is the famous abbey of Sale, it is believed that when King Anawrahta (1044-1077) returned from Thaton in 1057 with the Buddhist texts (Tripitaka), he was welcomed back there by his family and officials of his court. The texts were escorted by a thousand monks and carried on the back of 32 elephants.
All monasteries in the area are somehow of Indian style, in fact the old name is Kula clone means "Indian monastery." That indicates their origin and their structure since Buddhism come from India.
Most famous constructions have a wooden architecture and the interior is rich decorated with carvings, only recently brick and concrete took over. This is also one of the reasons why plenty buildings of the past are gone since major fires destroyed them sometimes initiated by an earthquake.
Because of the growth it needs to extend the fenced area from time to time. Outside the main compound residential living quarters for pilgrims and water reservoirs are constructed. On one side, usually the eastern, the buildings always had a niche for Buddha statues.
Woodcarvings are not only used to create a great Buddha statue.
Woodcarvings also function decorative, even utensils, wagons or boats are often richly carved. Most wood used for those purposes was teak, walls were made of bamboo or palm leave mats for natural ventilation this wont take much moisture and staking them off easily.
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