Description of the attraction
One of the rare places in Bagan that can be called an observation deck is the Shvegugei Temple. It is more modest in size than other popular temples in the city, but because of the base, reaching a height of 4 meters, and seemingly elongated upward forms, it seems quite majestic. The main sanctuary is adjoined by a spacious vestibule with a staircase leading to the roof. Tourists climb it up to see the surroundings of the temple from a decent height. The opportunity to take beautiful pictures makes this temple very popular with tourists arriving in Bagan.
The temple is located in Bagan near the royal palace, which is why it is often called the "Pagoda in front of the palace". The literal translation of the name "Shvegugei" means "Golden Cave".
King Alaungsithu is considered the founder of the Shvegugei Buddhist sanctuary. We know about the history of the construction of the temple from the texts on two stone steles installed at the temple. According to these Pali inscriptions, the temple was built in 7 months in 1131. There was also a tragic page in the history of the temple. It is said that it was here that the insidious son of King Alaungsithu named Narathu strangled his father and took possession of the Bagan throne.
In the center of the temple there is a pillar with niches in which there are four Buddha statues. The corridor surrounding the main sanctuary is well lit due to the fact that the ancient builders made four large doors and six windows in it. The temple is crowned with a shikhara spire. In this sacred building, you can see stucco and carved decorations, traditional for temple complexes.
