THE Mandalay earthquake did not damage maintaining parts of Meenyeingon Temple located in Bagan cultural heritage zone.

It is No 1499 ancient building, south of the wall of ancient Bagan city. The one-storey temple, which is 130 feet high, has been identified as a grade-1 work in AD 12th Century. The temple is included in the maintenance list for phase II by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

A crack occurred at the southwest corner wall of the temple in the earthquake in 2016. So, officials monitor situation of the temple. After the Mandalay earthquake struck, officials of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch) checked the temple and found the original crack not larger.

Before undertaking the structural works by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the department installed the scaffolding to maintain the temple not to infiltration of rainwater and carry out consolidation of the mortar with the use of chemicals. Moreover, the department is working its functions with grouting at the crack with the use of pozzolan, pointing work and installation of three crack monitors under the preservation procedures.

The top of pyramidal spire was damaged by the Bagan earthquake in 1975. So, maintenance was carried out at the temple in 1976-78 and 2004-2005. Again, as the temple suffered impacts of the earthquake in 2016, maintenance was undertaken in 2017. Necessary maintenance was also conducted at the temple in 2020.

ASH/TTA

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