Abstract

• The main aim of this paper is to study the Descent from Tāvatiṁsa on the Buddha life stories depicted in the paintings of ancient temples from Bagan which has now been recognized as a world heritage site in Myanmar. Buddhism has flourished in Myanmar before Bagan period and reached at its highest point in Bagan period. The people of Bagan period, both elite class and commoners, had built religious monuments. Their major aim was that they wanted the Buddhism to last longer until 5000 years. They used to decorate the inner walls and ceilings of temples with mural paintings. Mural paintings that adorned the inner walls of temples during the Bagan period, spanning from 11th to the 13th century CE. This period is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of Myanmar art. The earliest wall painting of the Descent from Tāvatiṁsa can be observed in Nagayon Temple in early period. In middle and late Bagan period, the Descent from Tāvatiṁsa was also popular and they were beautifully drawn on the walls of the temples. One of the major themes of their paintings was the eight great scenes of the Buddha's life including the Descent from Tāvatiṁsa which was one of the most popular themes in Buddhist art of Myanmar. Therefore, the study of Bagan Temples will be provided the remaining of Bagan mural paintings works in “Where and what type of decorative art in Bagan Temples,” which can be seen Temple No. 2157/1451, Monument No. 1152, Monument No. 92 and Monument No. 339/212 (B). The methodology for this research paper is mainly based upon the previously published texts and private field survey and art remains of mural paintings which has been failure in previous attempts are organized with the recent finding.