Alodaw Pyi Temple

Alodaw Pyi Temple

Estimated early 12th century
A painted inscription in the hall says that ‘the monk Nga Toke Thin repaired this cave temple called Alo Pyi and the Sint Pahto (glazed-brick) pagoda in the year 556, 11 Waxing Moon Day of Nay on’, meaning repairs were done around May or June of 1194 CE. Obviously the temple was built some decades earlier.

Alodaw Pyi Temple
Alodaw Pyi Temple

Alodaw Pyi means to have one’s wishes fulfilled, and the modern restoration work was led by another monk in 1994. The temple has become very popular with the local pilgrims of today. There is a stairway built into the thick wall on the northeast corner. There are four shrines with ancient seated images all newly gilded. There are excellent wall paintings inside, as for centuries the ruined temple was covered with thick bushes and therefore the art work was protected from vandals and climate.