Shwedagon Pagoda

"Then, a golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon, a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun, of a shape that was neither Muslim dome nor Hindu temple-spire. It stood upon a green knoll, and below it were lines of warehouses, sheds, and mills. Under what new god, thought I, are we irrepressible English sitting now?" ~Rudyard Kipling, Letters from the East, 1889

This description by Rudyard Kipling of his first encounter with the amazing Shwedagon Paya (Shwedagon Pagoda) over a hundred years ago is still valid today. Everyone arriving in Yangon will be mesmerised by this golden temple complex which dominates the skyline of Yangon.

It's place of peace and tranquility which is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Yangon streetlife. At night Shwedagon is illuminated and is exceptional visible around the city.

Shwedagon Paya is the most sacred Buddhist monument in Burma/Myanmar, situated on Singuttara Hill in Yangon. It's over 2500 years old and that makes it the oldest historical Paya in Burma/Myanmar and the world.

One of the four entrances leading up to the Paya

The Singu Min Bell

The tip of the stupa consists of 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies. Immediately before the diamond bud is a flag-shaped vane. At the very top, the diamond bud is tipped with a 76 carat diamond. The top soars 100 meters or more above the hilltop and can be seen from quite far away.

The gold seen on the stupa is made of genuine gold plates, covering the brick structure and attached by traditional rivets. People all over the country, as well as monarchs in its history, have donated gold to the paya to maintain it. The practice continues to this day after being started in the 15th century by the Mon Queen Shin Sawbu, who gave her weight in gold.

Pilgrims from all over Burma/Myanmar travel to Shwedagon Paya to say their prayers and ask for good health and prosperity at this sacred place, which is enshrined with eight strands of hair from Gautama, the historical Buddha. Gold leafs are sold throughout the complex and attaching the gold leafs is a way to show respect to this holy place.

During the hottest summer months the tiles on the floor can get soaring hot, making the few tourists that come here hurry from shade to shade to give their feet a rest. 

Sources: Wikipedia and Shwedagon.org
All photos April 2012: © innwa.blogspot.com