Nanpaya Temple

The Nanpaya Shrine. It means Kings Temple and there are several unusual elements in the composition of this 1059 built structure. At the outside the shrine resembles many other. But it is only a superficial similarity, the main feature is that the interior rests on four pillars supporting vaults.

The layout is reminiscent of a four-aisled Russian church. This composition has allowed an original system of lighting the central space through special cut into the base windows.
Through the windows, the light falls on the center of a free-standing Buddha sculpture which is quite rare in the city.

Each pillar of the interior is decorated on four sides with reliefs of a three headed Brahma. These reliefs are characterized by soft modeling of plastic forms, beauty of the lines and grace of movement.

The bas-reliefs of the Brahmas is rather a local characteristic where Buddha was always accompanied by them and Nats.

Nanpaya Temple

This one and the contemporary Kyaukgu Umin temple are the only two in the city where stone was partly used. The main structure is brick, the stone work has a decorative idea being a facing for aesthetic or protective purposes and imitating the form of bricks. 

The hall has perforated windows to admit light. 

Stone perforations are in a diamond pattern at other temples, such as the the Abeyadana, different perforation designs are used the interior is dominated by several bas-relief of a three headed Brahma.

Three headed Brahma

The hall vault is masked by two crenelated terrace

and over the shrine a third one is beneath the sikhara. Basically this is a simple two unit layout, one hall and one shrine. Probably the most interesting artwork are the stone relief carvings there are four reliefs in the Nanpaya, they were carved from stone blocks that interlock.