Bagan Kingdom (Myanmar)
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King Anawrahta Minsaw
Bagan, Bagan Kingdom (Myanmar)
Archival Overview
Founder of the Pagan Empire who unified Myanmar into a single nation, introduced Theravada Buddhism, and initiated Bagan's golden temple era.
Biographical Record
King Anawrahta Minsaw (1014–1077, reigned 1044–1077) was the founder of the Pagan (Bagan) Empire and is venerated as the father of the Burmese nation. Taking power after defeating his brother Sokkate in single combat, Anawrahta transformed a modest principality in the dry zone of the Irrawaddy basin into the first unified Burmese empire.
Converted to orthodox Theravada Buddhism by the Mon monk Shin Arahan, Anawrahta suppressed the unorthodox Ari Buddhist sect and conquered the Mon kingdom of Thaton in 1057 to acquire the sacred Buddhist Pali Canon (Tipitaka). He established fortified garrison towns along the frontiers, developed irrigation canal networks, and began construction of the magnificent Shwezigon Pagoda, defining Burmese religious and political identity for a millennium.
Key Life Milestones
Arrival of the Theravada Tipitaka
Conquered Thaton to secure the 30 sets of the sacred Buddhist Pali Canon, establishing orthodox Theravada Buddhism across the Pagan Empire.
Imperial Buddhist Stupa
Began construction of the golden Shwezigon Pagoda to enshrine holy relics of the Buddha, creating the prototype for all subsequent Burmese stupas.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialNyaung-U (Bagan), Myanmar