Shwedagon Paya Cultural And Religious Center Of Myanmar
During the day, the dome shines like golden fire. Sunset plays a melody of tones with the monument that never fails to enchant. At night, the complex is illuminated by thousands of lights strategically placed. All Burmese are proud of their national monument, and try to visit the site at least once in their lives.
The legend tells the main stupa (Buddhist monument in the form of a dome) is 2,500 years old and is home to eight hairs of Buddha, even though archaeological evidence suggests it was built by the Mon rulers of the area around 1,000 – 1,400 years. Wars, earthquakes and other calamities have left their mark in the Shwedagon and most of the current structure dates back to 1769.
The sacred dome is an enduring symbol of the resistance of the Burmese – O bama – Culture. After each defeat, the Shwedagon is rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
Getting there is easy, as the Shwedagon is just north of downtown Yangon and is undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in the city and one of the must visited place during tours to Burma. Each taxi and rickshaw driver’s engine knows the way. The price of admission $ 5 includes the use of a lift to the main resort, but there is nothing to stop following in the footsteps of the faithful Buddhists and climb the steps up to the top hill Singuuttara. You’ve covered four gateways to choose from, plus lift in the north and south entrances.
Visitors are allowed from dawn to dusk. Monks who speak English are often offered as tourist guides in exchange for a donation of $ 5. Note that all visitors must remove their shoes and socks, while entering the main complex. Marble flooring is very hot around noon and slippery after rain, but a carpet path is provided around the main stupa.
As with all Buddhist monuments, visitors must walk clockwise around the complex. While the golden stupa is the central feature of Shwedagon, is one of the major attractions to visit during Myanmar tours. In the northwest corner of 23 tons is the Maha Ganda bell dating from the 1770s. After the first Anglo-Burmese War in 1825, the bell was captured by the British, who had intended to send to their country of origin. The bell fell on the Yangon River and the British were unable to increase. The Burmese were allowed to try there luck, and bamboo poles and placed under the hood until it floated to the surface and was restored to its rightful place.
Right next to the Maha Ganda pavilion is a small stupa with a golden needle. Among the eight niches around its base are figures of animals and birds that represent the directions of the compass and the associated sign and the planet for every day of the week.
To the northeast is one of the world’s largest bells, the bell Tharwaddy King Min. Cast in 1841, Maha Titthaganda (three ringing tones), weighs 42 tons and is housed in an elegant pavilion with a roof coating.
The hall of this shrine is considered by many the most beautiful resort and is dedicated to Kakusandha, the first Buddha. Renovated in 1869, but almost entirely destroyed by the great fire of 1931 and had to be completely rebuilt. Nearby is the flag of U Nyo, which hosts a number of carved wooden panels depicting the life of Gautama Buddha. Dawn and dusk are the best times to visit Shwedagon, a visit is sure to leave memories that last a lifetime. So pack your bags and proceed to this beautiful Pagoda.
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