Nathlaung Kyaung Temple

The temple is situated to the west of the Thatbyinnyu Temple, and is believed to have been built either during the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century or possibly in the 10th century, during the reign of King Nyaung-u Sawrahan (also known as Taungthugyi). The temple likely served the religious needs of Hindu merchants and Brahmins who had settled in Bagan and were in the service of the Burmese kings.

Another name associated with the temple is Natokya Kyaung, which lies west of Sabbanyu Longgu and east of Phutho Thana Cave Pagoda. Similar Brahmanical temples dedicated to Vishnu are said to have existed elsewhere in the region, including at Myekapa, where a Tamil inscription records the donation of a pavilion (mandapa), a door lamp, and 19 metal objects by a South Indian donor, believed to be a Malayan man from southern India. This inscription confirms the active presence of the Vishnu sect in Pagan-era Myanmar. The rituals associated with Vishnu worship, such as coronation rites involving offerings of sugarcane, feathers, sedges, peacock feathers, and lamps, were also adopted by the Buddhist kings of Bagan for royal ceremonies such as the Thingyan water festival and royal anointings.

Architecture and Iconography

Nathlaung Kyaung Temple was built in a square layout with steep-rising terraces, a hallmark of early Bagan architecture. Its design is thought to have influenced later Buddhist structures in the region. Indian artisans were likely involved in its construction, contributing to its distinctly Hindu architectural elements.

Today, much of the structure has deteriorated due to age and earthquake damage. The outer mandapa and entrance are no longer extant. Only the central hall and upper superstructure remain. Statues depicting the incarnations of Vishnu can still be found in niches and porches, including:

• Matsya (fish)
• Kurma (tortoise)
• Varaha (boar)
• Narasimha (man-lion)

These depictions symbolize Vishnu's role in preserving cosmic order by taking various forms (human and animal) to save humanity in times of crisis.

Inside the inner sanctum is a corridor that leads to the central hall. Arched niches surrounding the hall contain:

• A seated statue of Shiva in Padmasana (lotus posture)
• Standing images of Vishnu holding a scythe (skull), conch shell (shankha), mace (gada), and other iconographic symbols
• A partially preserved sculpture of Vishnu riding the bird Garuda

One particularly significant but fragmentary sculpture depicts the cosmic creation myth: Vishnu reclining on the serpent Shesha, floating on the ocean of eternity. From Vishnu's navel emerges a lotus from which the god Brahma is born. Although only the serpent's curled tail remains, the sculpture hints at a once-elaborate representation of the Trimurti: Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma.