Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda

Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda

Estimated 12th century
Merit attributed to the monk Sein Nyet of the 12th
Some attribute it to Queen Sein Nyet of the 11th century but the style of the temple is much later. There was also a prince during Alaung Sithu’s reign (r. 1112-1167) named Sein Nyet who became a monk and some scholars attribute it to him. As there are other temples in Bagan of this period with similarities of architecture and decor, this sounds more probable.

Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda
Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda

The Ama or elder sister is a temple and the Nyima or younger sister is a spire. What remains of the stucco work of the temple is delicate and ornate, of traditional motifs such as ogres clutching garlands, real or mythical birds and animals.
The younger sister is a lovely spire, with the upper part having a unique design: above the bell-shaped dome is a ribbed disc of some thickness topped by a filial ridged with horizontal bands. What remains of the original stucco decoration is exquisite.

Other view of Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda
Another view of Sein Nyet Ama Temple and Sein Nyet Nyima Pagoda