Andaw-thein Temple

Andaw-thein Temple, whose name translates to 'Tooth Shrine,' is a significant Buddhist temple situated in Mrauk U, Myanmar. Its primary importance stems from its role as a sanctuary for a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, believed to have been brought from Sri Lanka. This relic draws pilgrims and visitors interested in its spiritual significance.

History and Construction

The temple's origins trace back to the early 16th century. It was initially constructed as an ordination hall between 1515 and 1521 by King Thazata. Later, it underwent restoration by King Ming Phalaung between 1534 and 1542. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1596 when King Min Razagyi renovated and expanded the structure specifically to house a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This relic had been brought back from a pilgrimage to Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

Historical accounts mention an incident where a man from Allayse village attempted to steal the relic from its golden casket. Although the casket was lost, the Myo-ok of Mrauk U successfully recovered the tooth, which was then placed in a silver case. The relic itself is described as being 3¼ inches in length and nearly as thick.

Architecture and Features

The architectural design of Andaw-thein Temple is distinctive. It is characterized by an octagonal central shrine, encircled by two concentric octagonal passageways. The temple rests on a base measuring 125 feet from north to south and 120 feet from east to west. Surrounding the main structure, at the northwest and southwest corners, are sixteen smaller shrines, each containing a Buddha image. A large prayer hall was later added to the eastern entrance.

The temple features entrances on its east, north, and south sides, each accompanied by three niches in the wall. The main shrine is crowned by a bell-shaped stupa with a segmented dome, a style reminiscent of early Mrauk U temples. Eight identical stupas are positioned at each corner around the central stupa.

Notably, the temple has very few openings, with light and air entering primarily through the main entrance. Its inner construction, built entirely from stone blocks, shares a fortress-like design with the nearby Shite-thaung Temple.

Statues and Artistry

Within the large prayer hall, six standing Buddha images are displayed in niches at the entrance to the main shrine. Each image depicts a different mudra (hand gesture). Two specific Buddha images combine Abhaya and Varada Mudras, symbolizing the Buddha's descent from the heaven of the thirty-three gods. The Buddha statues are rendered with broad faces, slightly bowed heads, and downcast eyes, conveying a sense of contemplation. Their long ears extend nearly to their shoulders, and their bodies are depicted as strong with wide chests and heavy limbs. Most are seated in Virasana, with their right leg over the left and their right hand touching the ground in the Bhumisparsha Mudra.

In total, Andaw-thein Temple houses 175 Buddha images.

Hindu Deities and Diverse Imagery

A remarkable aspect of the central shrine is the presence of eight types of thrones adorned with intricate carvings that blend Buddhist and Hindu iconography. These carvings include reliefs of Hindu figures such as Ganesh, Shiva, and Brahma, as well as mythical creatures like Garuda, ogres, Hamsa birds, sphinxes, and lions. The depiction of Shiva seated cross-legged and Brahma with an ornate headdress is particularly noteworthy in a Buddhist context. A striking relief of Garuda with spread wings is also present, alongside guardian figures and elephants.

The thrones are further embellished with floral motifs, Rakhine Byala (a mythical creature), kalasa pots, and parrot carvings, illustrating a rich fusion of influences. The unusual sight of a relief likely depicting Shiva with two consorts, hands pressed in a gesture of respect, placed between Buddha images, underscores the temple's unique artistic and religious synthesis.