Later kings continued to support Theravada Buddhism and its mainly Mon scholarly elite. In the 13th century, the Bamar kings and elites built countless Buddhist stupas and temples, especially around the capital city of Bagan. These acts of generosity were a way to gain merit ("puñña") and to show that one had "phun" (glory, spiritual power). Bagan kings presented themselves as bodhisattvas, who saw themselves as responsible for the spiritual merit of their subjects. They also saw themselves as Dharma kings ("Dhammaraja") who were protectors and promoters of the Buddhist religion. Bagan kings also promoted themselves as manifestations of the god Sakka.