There are about 2,000 monuments in Bagan, Myanmar. They cover an area of 16 square miles on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady in central Myanmar. They are in different sizes and in a variety of shapes. With only a few exceptions most of the monuments are of Theravada Buddhism. The pagodas at Bagan may be classified into four main types: Type 1 has a bulbous dome and is exemplified by the Bupaya and the Ngakywenadaung. Type 2 has a series of receding terraces, surmounted by a cylindrical or bell-shaped dome which continues into a finial of concentric rings. In the developed form of this type, there are three receding square terraces and an octagonal base providing the transition to a bell-shaped dome with a band of molding in the middle. Type 3 is similar in basic form to Type 2, but has a ribbed, bowl-shaped disc - the amalaka or myrobalan fruit which crowns the spire of Indian temples - interposed between the dome and the finial. Type 4, modeled on the medieval Sinhalese dagaba or pagoda, has a bell-shaped dome on a circular base and a box-like relic chamber - the harmika of Indian stupas - interposed between the dome and the finial.

The pagoda or the temple, in which the holy relics of the Buddha are enshrined, serves as a Reminder of the Buddha. But the Reminder can take other forms as well, for instance, an image of the Buddha. Most of the images of the Buddha in Bagan may be classified into six main types on the basis of their position and the gesture of their hands. Type 1 has the Buddha seated in the position of meditation. The left hand lies in the lap, palm upward, while the right hand hangs down, palm inward, in the gesture of touching the earth. This recalls the moment when, challenged by Mara, the Evil One, as to his worthiness to become the Buddha, Gotama touches the earth and call upon it as a witness to his deeds in the past which make him worthy to be a Buddha. This type represents the Buddha at Enlightenment, when aspiration and fulfillment came together. Type 2 also has the Buddha seated in the position of meditation. But the hands are at the breast, the thumb and index finger of the right hand touching a finger of the left hand, which has the palm turned inward, in the gesture of turning the Wheel of the Law. This represents the preaching of the First Sermon in Deer Park, the Dhammacakka or the Wheel of the Law Sermon, by which the Wheel of the Religion was set into motion. Type 3 also has the Buddha seated in the position of meditation. Both hands lie in the lap, palms upward, the right upon the left, in the gesture of meditation. This represents the Buddha in a state of meditation. Type 4 has the Buddha in a static standing position, the feet planted firmly and set slightly apart. The left hand is extended forward, palm outward, in the gesture of bestowing gifts, while the right hand is raised to the level of the breast, palm outward, in the gesture of reassurance. Type 5 has the Buddha in a standing position but with both hands at the breast in the gesture of turning the Wheel of the Law. Type 6 has the Buddha in a reclining position, lying on his right side, his cheek resting on his right hand. This represents the Buddha at the point of Parinibbana, the Decease or the final liberation. (Glimpses of Glorious Bagan, The Universities Press, Yangon, Myanmar, 1996)