India to renovate 12th century temple in Myanmar

Nay Pyi Taw: In a major boost to its cultural and historic ties with Myanmar, India Tuesday agreed to renovate and restore a 12th century temple in the ancient city of Bagan in Myanmar`s Mandalay region.

Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, who is here on a three-day trip ending Wednesday, made the offer to the three-month-old Myanmarese civilian government, which accepted it, a source in his delegation said here. The Ananda Pahto, which dominates Bagan`s skyline with a 51-metre temple tower, is one of the oldest of temples in Myanmar. Bagan is about 200 km away from Myanmar`s second largest city, Mandalay. "The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will be lending its services to restore and renovate the Ananda temple in Bagan," the source said. The Ananda Pahto, along with the mighty mid-12th century temple Thatbyinnyu Pahto with 61-metre high tower, dwarf all other modern construction in Bagan including the archaeological museum there. IANS