That place became the Shwedagon Pagoda. And more importantly, what is the building's function? 2 October 2018. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in google_ad_width = 336; According to legend, the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed more than 2,600 years ago, which would make it the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. A pagoda is a type of temple, usually consisting of a tower with multiple levels. The Shwedagon Pagoda consists of hundreds colorful temples, stupas, and statues reflecting the architectural era spanning almost 2,500 years. The crown umbrella on top is an invaluable piece with thousands of precious stones. What is the significance of so many roofs? You can test out of the While much of the pagoda's beauty derives from the complex geometryof its shape and surrounding structures, equally mesmerizing is its golden glow. The Shwedagon Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Yangon, Myanmar, in Southeast Asia. Is this landmark representative of Buddhism in general, or is it specific to Buddhism in Myanmar? From the terraces up to the top, all the elements are golden. No visit to the Union of Myanmar is complete without a visit to the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics. Visitor Center: The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. David has a bachelor's degree in architecture, has done research in architecture, arts and design and has worked in the field for several years. //-->. Shwedagon Pagoda has endured the vagaries of nature and people, towering stoically over Yangon with its quiet, majestic charm despite earthquakes, cyclones, invasions, wars, foreign occupations and internal strife that struck the country since it was built hundreds of years ago. Yangon’s Iconic Shwedagon Pagoda gets facelift. The golden exterior is actually made of many gold plates, covering the brick structure. Choose one or more elements and compare them with another landmark, building, or architectural style. google_ad_width = 728; This building preserves four Buddhist relics that belonged to the previous incarnations of Buddha and is an important temple for the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and for the people of Myanmar. Are the similarities simply a coincidence? The main stupa is decorated with precious materials. Tradition has it that the King of Ukkalapa, who founded the Shwedagon, himself built the pagoda on the site where the sacred hairs of the Buddha were first placed on their arrival. In the meantime they were to be kept here, at the site of the brothers’ landing. Rising high in the sky like a mountain and set against the backdrop of an ever more bustling metropolis, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar. At Pagan for example, there is an ancient plain containing over 2,000 Water: Communal water coolers are available around the pagoda, but you may want to bring your own water. flashcard set{{course.flashcardSetCoun > 1 ? sudden hope in the dark night of the soul. google_ad_client = "pub-5387217387406024"; Since the 15th century, the temple complex has grown with the addition of secondary structures, shrines and other monuments. google_ui_features = "rc:0"; Theravada Buddhism is the leading religion in Myanmar, and most of the country's inhabitants try to visit the monument to pray and ask for good luck. This building is of great importance for the Buddhist Community and a beloved landmark of Myanmar. the world and it is certainly the main attraction of Yangon, Myanmar’s Almost 110 meters in height, covered with hundreds of gold plates – and the top of stupa coated with diamonds, the structure of the pagoda is truly amazing. The pagoda is said to contain eight hairs of the Buddha, a fact that only adds to its prestige. Finally, when Burma was annexed to the British Empire, King Mindon Min added a crown umbrella (an ornament typically placed atop Burmese Pagodas). Abundant rubies, sapphires and diamonds are part of its decoration. This is one of the best ways of helping yourself retain information that you have learned. Visitors are required to remove their shoes upon entering the Shwedagon and negotiating the {{courseNav.course.topics.length}} chapters | The stupa felt into decay for many years until the 14th century, when the Burmese King, Binnya U, decided to rebuild the temple, increasing its height to about 60 feet. It is considered one of the oldest pagodas in the world. Today the Shwedagon’s position above Yangon is challenged by tall construction projects. There is a legend behind the origins of the pagoda. Look at the elements that make up the structure in detail. Did you know… We have over 220 college Uppatasanti Pagoda—located in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar—is a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda. Create your account. , © TheShwedagonPagoda.com - All Rights Reserved -. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Visit the Architectural Structures Study Guide page to learn more. According to some, the pagoda is 2,600 years old, making Shwedagon the oldest pagoda in the world. Types of Hybrid Learning Models During Covid-19, Creating Routines & Schedules for Your Child's Pandemic Learning Experience, How to Make the Hybrid Learning Model Effective for Your Child, Distance Learning Considerations for English Language Learner (ELL) Students, Blunt Force Trauma: Definition, Symptoms & Examples, Why Were Medieval Castles Built? google_ad_client = "pub-5387217387406024"; What’s more, the sandstone for the Cambodian structures came from a stone quarry some 25 miles away, making the construction of this ancient wonder one of the most ambitious, monumental feats in human history. Eight small shrines, located on each of the eight corners of the main stupa. setting sun. hours of opening. This monument of many roofs is called a pagoda. As this lesson explained, the Shwedagon Pagoda is extremely important to Buddhism, which is one of the major world religions. It consists of seven concentric rings on the lower part, the middle part in the shape of lotus petals, the upper part in the form of a teardrop, and the umbrella, which crowns the whole structure. A different image of Buddha is seen on each one, representing the seven days of the week. Sociology 110: Cultural Studies & Diversity in the U.S. imaginable degree, area of Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. … Another tradition has it that Tapussa, the elder of the two brothers who received the eight sacred hairs from Buddha, went once again to the Buddha and received another sacred hair which he enshrined in a pagoda close to the Shwedagon. capital city. A Japan-led consortium has officially obtained permission to build a large-scale mixed-development project at the intersection of Shwedagon Pagoda Road and U Wisara Road in Yangon. ",