Phra Ouk

The originality of design displayed at the Shitthaung and the Dukekanthein continues on a smaller scale at the Phara Ouk temple shrine, also said to have been built during the reign of Meng Phalaung (1571-1593). Standing east of the lower Ni Buza on a low hill, only the plinth remains. This suggests that the architect attempted, unsuccessfully, to build a new form of superstructure. The plan is a curcular stupa-shrine, its solid core entered through a narrow passage leading to a single undistinguished central image. Perhaps because of omens suggesting that the country was threatened from outside, the outer wall has 29 life-size identical earth-touching Buddhas seated in niches and facing outwards in all directions.

Related Pages