Completed 1785
Merit of Uttuna Raja the Recordkeeper of Bagan
The Ananda Oke Kyaung Monastery or Brick Monastery, which can be found in the compound of Ananda Temple. The main attraction of the temple that attracts many visitors coming to see on their Bagan tours is the mural bustling with bright red and green dating back to the 18th century. Oke means brick, Kyaung means monastery It was built according to the monastic architectural plan of the 18th century with a three-tiered roof and set on a high platform.
A painted inscription stated the donor as Uttuna Raja, Records Keeper of Bagan. Construction began on the 15 Waxing Moon Day of Pya Tho 1137 ME or 4 January 1775 CE and was completed in 1147 ME or 1785 CE.
The inner walls are entirely covered with paintings of palaces, ox carts, animals and people at play, embracing, making pots, or simply at leisure. Over the five centuries since Bagan fell and the building of this monastery, the theme has evolved from solely Buddhist subjects to secular lifestyles.
