Gold plated pagoda built by the founder of the Bagan empire. The Shwezigon Pagoda is one of the oldest and most impressive monuments of Bagan. Most noticeable is the huge gold plated pagoda glimmering in the sun. The design of the Shwezigon Pagoda has been copied many times across Burma over the centuries.
Several shrines and temple buildings have been added to the complex since construction of the stupa in the year 1090. As the pagoda enshrines a number of sacred Buddhist relics, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Shwezigon festival held during the 9th month of the Burmese calender (December) attracts thousands of devotees. This was originally a month dedicated to paying respect to the ancient Nat spirits, before Theravada Buddhism became prevalent in Burma. After dark the pagoda is wonderfully illuminated by spotlights that give the place a mystical atmosphere. The Shwezigon was damaged by several earthquakes including the large 1975 quake, but has been restored since.
Shwezigon festival
Start of massive temple building in Bagan The Shwezigon Pagoda was built by King Anawrahta who founded the Bagan Kingdom in 1044. After a monk from the Thaton Kingdom had converted the King to Theravada Buddhism the campaign of massive temple building began on the plains of Bagan. King Anawrahta built the pagoda to enshrine several Buddha relics, including a copy of the sacred tooth relic of Kandy in Sri Lanka. According to legend, the spot where the pagoda was to be built was chosen by a white elephant carrying the relic on his back. Construction started around 1059, the pagoda was completed at the end of the 11th century during the reign of King Kyanzittha. The pagoda sits in the center of a large platform, around which several other shrines and pagodas have been built. The bell shaped stupa that is completely gilded sits on a square base, of which the sides are about 49 meters long. At the base of the pagoda sits a large golden lion at each of its corners. On top of the base are three receding terraces. The third one has a small stupa on each of its four corners.
Shwezigon Pagoda was built by King Anawrahta
The solid and completely symmetrical stupa on top of the terraces is almost 49 meters high. On top of the pagoda is a hti, a spire ornament shaped as an umbrella, that is found on almost every Burmese temple. All four sides of the pagoda have a central stairway guarded by Makaras (sea creatures from Hindu mythology) leading to the top of the terraces. The three terraces contain beautiful glazed terra-cotta plaques depicting scenes from the 547 Jataka tales, the stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. Before Buddhism was introduced to Bagan, Nat spirit worshipping was prevalent. King Anawrahta allowed the images of the 37 most highly venerated Nats to be put on the lower terraces of the Shwezigon Pagoda. The Nat images have since been moved and can now be found inside a small hall next to the platform. Nat worshipping is still very much alive in current day Burma, the Mount Popa close to Bagan is known as the home of the Nats. Along all four sides of the pagoda opposite the stairway to the third terrace is a pavilion that contains a large standing Buddha image from the 12th century. Two pillars with texts inscribed in Mon language from the end of the 11 century tell the early history of the Shwezigon Pagoda.
Other structures on the Shwezigon complex The Shwezigon complex is surrounded by a wall measuring 230 meters on each side with an access gate in all of its four sides. At the main entrance gate is an enormous white mythological lion standing guard. A long covered walkway with vendors leads to the pagoda.
The Shwezigon complex
During the centuries following the construction of the pagoda several other structures have been added to the temple complex. Around the platform are several Tazaungs, a Burmese style open pavilion. A number of temple buildings are topped with a Pyatthat, an intricately decorated Burmese roof made of several receding layers. Several structures are topped with a Sikhara, a tower like structure originating from North India. Unlike the Sikhara of the Ananda temple that is one of Bagan’s best known landmarks, these Sikharas are not gilded. The complex also contains a small whitewashed pagoda and several structures where Buddha images are enshrined.
ONLY WITH US : 100 % MONEY BACK GUARANTEE within 10 days from the date of booking if not satisfied.
For further information, or simply a free quote, please contact us at any time via our email: info@galatourist.com, our experienced consultants will reply to you within 48 hours. Sincerely yours & see you soon! GALATOURIST since 2005.
Anyone who has the passion to explore the mystical beauty of Myanmar when arriving in Bagan can’t fail to visit the monuments of ancient monuments left here. The Buddhist temples that stand along the flow of time are the testimony to the dynasties and Buddhist culture in Myanmar.
Mandalay is the principal economic and religious city of upper Myanmar. It is situated in the centre of the country and 714 km north of Yangon. It was founded in 1857 by King Mindon, where the Royal Palace of the Konbaung Dynasty is located and it was the last monarchy until being occupied by the British in 1885. Today, Mandalay is still accepted as the art and cultural heartland of Myanmar and one can also discover the history, tradition, ritual and ceremonies there. Moreover, it is also easily accessible to Sagaing, Ava (Inwa), Amarapura, Mingun and Pyin Oo Lwin.
Yangon is one of famous places in Myanmar, where well-known tourist attractions, tourist services are diverse and attractive. If you want to enjoy adventure travel in Yangon Myanmar, you should read the post carefully to known about wonderful experiences in there.
The Golden Rock (Kyaik-htiyo or Kyaiktiyo), perched atop a cliff near Yangon, is one of the most sacred sites in Burma. The great boulder precariously balances on the edge of a cliff and is topped by a small stupa. An endless stream of pilgrims come to admire the sight and add squares of gold leaf to its surface.
Riel (KHR; symbol CR) is the country’s official currency but locals prefer to use dollars. Riel notes are in denominations of CR100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Dollars notes (not coins) are widely accepted, yet visitors in small villages and shops vendors may not have change for high notes (including $10+). It is advisable to keep hold of small Riel change wherever you can as it is very useful.
There are hospitals and clinics in cities and larger towns, and regional health centres in outlying areas, although the quality of healthcare is generally low in Myanmar. Many hospitals lack basic equipment and medication, a situation not helped by high levels of corruption, and international-standard facilities
The small town of Hpa-an, in the southeast of the country, is a pleasant place to spend a few days. Moreover there are some excellent day trips from the town, and you can take a taxi or ride a rented motorbike through scenic rice fields to swimming holes, a pagoda perched on a vertical column of rock, and caves full of Buddhist art.
Myanmar’s cities are not shopping destinations on a par with regional favourites such as Bangkok or Singapore, but there are still some bargains to be found. Souvenirs include jewellery – some of the most interesting being made from petrified wood or from jade
The regional cuisine balances spicy, sour, bitter and salty flavours; it can be quite hot but rarely as much so as Thai food. Common local ingredients include fish, seafood, chicken and vegetables spiced with onions, ginger, garlic and chillies, served with rice or noodles
