Central Shrine

Naga-Yon, Pagan

The main Buddha image in the central shrine has his right hand raised in abhaya mudra ("fear-not.") It is flanked by two smaller images standing in dharmachakra mudra ("turning the Wheel of the Law," i.e. the Buddha's First Sermon).

The statue is original but, as in most temples, its gilding has been renewed many times, thus obscuring the image's original features. The painted naga hood, which refers to the founding legend of the temple, is a modern addition (next page). Even more alarming is the modern whitewash, which might even cover up some original paintwork.