Commissioned 1248
The merit of King Kya Swar (r. 1235-1250)
This is one of the most well-known temples in Bagan. Dating back to the 13th century, to date, it has become one of the interesting destinations to visit in Burma tours. The proper name is Nanda Pyinnya or Infinite Wisdom but the spoken name has slurred through the centuries into ‘Nanda Manya’ This small temple topped with a large bell-shaped spire is a mix of the square temple design with the spire. The stone inscription in Bamar of a royal order to build this temple gave the exact date The interior paintings are beautiful. One is controversial: a line of celebrating women escorting a reluctant-looking younger girl commonly thought to represent grandmothers, aunts, and mother escorting a virgin bride to the Aree monks to be deflowered.
However, some scholars refer to it as Mara the Evil One’s daughters marching off to seduce the Buddha before enlightenment. However, it is more common for Mara’s daughter to be depicted as three in number, to symbolize the three biggest defilements in Buddhist practice: Greed, Anger and Delusion.
The paintings in this temple differ in style, and some are extremely intricate and finely executed.