Shwedagon Pagoda, Buddhist temple in Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Description
Shwedagon Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Dagon Township, Yangon, standing on Singuttara Hill and dominating the city skyline from a distance. The gilded spire rises 112 meters (about 367 feet) into the air and is surrounded by a terrace where dozens of smaller shrines, pavilions, and statues are spread out.
History
The earliest written records date to 1362, though oral traditions claim construction took place more than 2,500 years ago. Over the centuries, earthquakes damaged the structure several times, leading to rebuilding and expansion.
Culture
The name derives from Shwe Dagon, meaning golden dragon, and the entire complex serves as a living place for prayers, meditations, and religious ceremonies. Devotees walk clockwise around the central structure, lighting candles and placing offerings at the many smaller shrines.
Practical
Access is through four covered stairways at the cardinal points, with visitors required to remove their shoes before entering the platform. The site opens daily from 4:00 to 22:00, and appropriate clothing is expected.
Did you know?
Eight planetary posts are arranged around the base, each corresponding to a day of the week and an associated animal, where devotees pour water over a Buddha statue. Wednesday is split into two halves, creating a total of eight stations, each assigned to a different planetary deity.
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