Past Watch Site

The 1,500-year-old stupas and temples of Sri-Ksetra are among the earliest Buddhist monuments in the world. Built of brick, the stupas of Bawbawgyi and Phaya-mar and temples of Lemyet-nhar and Bebe were also among the first structures to employ a vaulted arch system, which later became prevalent in Myanmar and throughout Southeast Asia.

Today, however, these ancient sacred structures are rapidly deteriorating due to heavy rains, which have caused cracks in the walls and upper portions of the monuments and eroded and loosened bricks within the arches, causing several of them to collapse. Destabilization of building foundations due to rising ground water has also caused several of the monuments to lean to one side. Site nominators are seeking technical assistance in the development of a long-term conservation plan and funds for its implementation.

Have an update on this site? Please contact us at watchupdate@wmf.org.