How to build a temple

Building a temple in 1227. On Wednesday 22nd December 1227 the following are enshrined in the cetiya: the bodily relics of the Lord; the image of the Buddha was made from the branch of the sacred banyan tree; other images were cast in gold; in silver; in crystal; made from ivory and from sandalwood. All these relics and images are spread gold cushions and silver cushions and are covered with gold umbrellas. Parched rice of gold, silver, and chandeliers are also offered. After enshrined, the relic chamber is closed with brick and magnificent figures of deva and various kings are made from stucco.

At this place around the tank called Amana (Minnanthu), we planted a monastery enclosure which is full of toddy palms.

We then enclosed it in two lines of walls all made of brick and within these walls, upon a fine platform, the plinth of which is the shape of a kalata pot, we constructed the Buddhist temple. When enshrining the relics of the Holy Body in a sandalwood casket and put it in a crystal casket, a red sandalwood casket, a gold casket, a red copper casket, and lastly within a stone miniature pagoda which was painted and criss-crossed with copper wire.

The spire was made of gold.

Above the spire we set up a gold umbrella hung with pearls and coral. We wrapped a miniature pagoda up to the spire with seven folds of cloth and on the cloth was stamped the gold seal of Kyaktahuiy- Sun God. There was a gold image of the lord cast of gold, a silver image and a gilt image of the Lord made of marble. Over these we spread gold and silver umbrellas. We enshrined all of those things. In the chamber we placed four images of the Buddha placed back-to-back and thus each facing a cardinal point and also gems were enshrined.

In the surrounding area.

Outside the inner wall we also made a row of monasteries where our Lords practicing piety out of love for the Religion might abide. That our noble lords might be at ease for water a well was dug and built of bricks. A square tank built of bricks was also made. To the east a larger tank was made with two levels. That water might enter, pipes and troughs also were beautifully made. 

People at Bagan

All round the tank, a garden was created just outside the monastery, within a fine enclosure. We made a a large and pleasant rest house, magnificently decorated with all sorts of figures, where all people coming from the four quarters are free to stay. West of this, we also made a permanent camp - alms house, of bricks where good people wishing to give alms might give alms. On the outskirts of the city we constructed a stone house made of brick.

For the comfort of the Lord.

Plus the Law, and the Order who are in the monastery, we have left there many attendants. In order that all the people coming from the four quarters might do what they want. We also dug a well solidly of brick. In order that these good deeds made by us the loving couple we made many arrangements. 

That repairs might continuously done on our behalf, that the premises are cleaned. To make sure that regular offer of food, oil-lights, betel and flowers be always made to Buddha and the Law and the noble Lords, we the loving couple dedicated the following slaves...Author Professor Than Tun.