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Despite being a Buddhist nation, Myanmar is home to diverse religious practices including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, etc. However, Buddhism still predominates, accounting for nearly 90% of the population. The Buddhist culture is evident in the construction of temples and pagodas, which dot the landscape and serve as places of both worship and refuge for the people, particularly during hot days. Additionally, Myanmar boasts abundant natural resources from oil to precious gemstones, prompting people to donate their wealth to gild statues and temples, seeking blessings and peace for their families. Among these revered sites is the ancient Shwedagon Pagoda.
The locals hold this sacred site in deep reverence.
The history of the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda.
Numerous legends and historical accounts surround this sacred golden pagoda. Some claim it to be over 2,500 years old, while others suggest it was built only a few hundred years ago. Yet, its mysterious origins add to its sanctity, making Shwedagon a spiritual destination since ancient times. Devotees have adorned the ancient ruins with copious amounts of gold and gemstones, honoring its resplendent beauty. Over time, this tradition has become customary, with people continuing to embellish the pagoda with tons of gold out of reverence. Despite enduring natural disasters and fires, which have necessitated extensive renovations, Shwedagon now stands more majestic than ever, an unmissable attraction in the capital city of Yangon. There is a rule that neighboring buildings in the city cannot surpass the height of the pagoda, as a mark of respect for this sacred symbol.
Breathtaking views in the evening sunlight at Shwedagon Pagoda.
The grand entrance to the revered ancient Shwedagon Pagoda.
Shwedagon Pagoda sits prominently amidst the heart of Yangon, near a lush green park filled with trees and adjacent to Kandawgyi Lake. From a distance, one can behold its towering golden spires, surrounded by countless residential houses and structures in the area. As you approach, the architecture becomes even more imposing, with a staircase leading up to the towering spires, reaching over a hundred meters high. Adjacent to the entrance is the ticket booth, where tickets cost $5 per person, also serving as a place to leave shoes and receive instructions to adhere to before entering inside.
The entrance fee is 10,000 Kyats, approximately $5 USD per person.
Inside the ancient temple compound, revered and timeless.
The Shwedagon temple opens from 4 am to 10 pm, but the ideal time to visit is nearing dusk. As the faint rays of sunlight kiss the spires, locals gather, devoutly performing rituals. Families, communities congregate, finding joy in complete and serene devotion. For the people of Myanmar, this sacred sanctuary brings profound happiness, each ritual bringing inner peace and contentment. As evening falls, witness the shimmering glow of hundreds of candles, illuminating the darkness, replacing electric lights, outshining even the moonlight's eternal gaze.
The Myanmar locals visit the temple diligently every day.
Exploring the sacred interiors of Shwedagon temple.
Stepping into the inner sanctum, the first captivating sight for visitors is the main tower, also known as the towering pinnacle reaching 99 meters high, situated on a raised square platform above ground level. Surrounding this main tower are 4 smaller towers at each corner and 60 other towers scattered throughout the temple grounds. This pinnacle, the epitome of architectural grandeur within the Shwedagon temple, commands attention with its elevated position, visible from all corners of the city. At its peak is a spire designed in the shape of a canopy adorned with golden bells, embellished with rare and exquisite gemstones. The topmost tier, meticulously adorned by Myanmar artisans with over 1000 gemstones, creates a dazzling kaleidoscope under the fiery Myanmar sun. To illuminate the night with a radiant golden glow, an estimated 90 tons of gold cover the structure, complemented by powerful electric lights, making the architecture and the temple itself stand out prominently across the region.
Exquisite and visually stunning architectural marvel cherished by the people of Myanmar.
The gleaming golden pinnacle basks in the golden afternoon sun of Myanmar.
Upon observation around you, you'll notice small shrines adorning images of the Buddha, with each statue symbolizing a day of the week, except Wednesday, which is divided into two. Corresponding to Western astrology, each small shrine is associated with a zodiac sign and a guardian creature. When Myanmar locals visit this temple, they pay homage at the shrine corresponding to their day of birth, offering golden flowers and sprinkling water in reverence to the Buddha statues. Regardless of the time, the diligent figures of women meticulously cleaning and sweeping the temple grounds are always present. No one pays them, nor are they obligated, but it's a beautiful cultural aspect deeply ingrained in the subconscious of the Myanmar people, who hold the temple in high regard, considering it their own home of Buddha. Thus, whether locals or monks within the temple, everyone shares a commitment to preserving the temple's assets with utmost integrity.
Locals worship at the shrines corresponding to their birth dates.
Devout worshippers offer flowers, bathing the Buddha statues.
Dedicated women diligently sweep and clean the temple regularly.
Every evening, people gather here once again.
Hidden treasures within the Shwedagon temple.
Not only a repository of significant historical milestones, the Shwedagon temple also safeguards ancient artifacts and treasures of mysterious origins. Legend has it that two Myanmar merchants encountered the Buddha after His enlightenment, and He bestowed upon them 8 precious hairs, instructing them on where to conceal them. Following His guidance, the brothers enshrined the hairs in a chamber for worship and erected a temple around it, safeguarding it to this day. While the true form of the Buddha's 8 hairs remains unknown, the area of their concealment is highly secretive and inaccessible to the public.
Monks and locals praying before the small shrines.
In addition to the sacred main precinct, the vast compound of the Shwedagon temple features notable structures such as the Naungdawgyi Hall, where only males are allowed into the main hall area, and the Bell Pavilion, home to a colossal bell weighing 23 tons. Furthermore, there is another hall displaying a 9-meter-tall image of the Buddha adorned in golden robes, while another hall showcases stories of the Buddha's past lives through intricate paintings.
Tips for visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Space at the Shwedagon Pagoda can become very crowded on weekends or Buddhist holidays, so if you intend to visit, plan carefully and choose your departure date wisely.
Author: Pham Ngoc Nhut
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