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Thatbyinnyu (or That-byin-nyu, the Omniscient) Phaya was one of King Sithu Is (1113-1167) finest legacies to the Bagan region. Although there are no contemporary inscriptions that identify him as the builder, reliable chronicles from the 14th century affirm his role in its construction . Located just inside the southeastern corner of the old city wall, Thatbyinnyu is Bagans tallest temple at almost 200 ft. (or 61 m.; some indicate 217 ft. or 66 m.) and represents a transition from the Mon period to a new architectural style that would soon be followed at the Sulamani, the Gawdawpalin and at Htilominlo. Constructed during one of the high points of Bagan political power and during a period of rededication to Theravada Buddhism and religious scholarship, it reflected that eras innovative architectural and artistic creativity. The heavy damage caused by the 1975 earthquake was mostly repaired by 1979, and the structure was further strengthened in the early 1990s.
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