 Through the unique iconographic depictions (in stone images, the numbered jataka plaques and the standing Buddha images), presented in the symmetrically planned layout of the Ananda temple was built by the King Kyansittha to establish and convey his doctrine to his people in a vivid visual format.It is said that the King who founded this temple became illustrious in the sphere of Buddhist architecture.The architectural history of the temple has been widely analysed.