Bupaya Pagoda, Buddhist pagoda on Ayeyarwady River, Bagan, Myanmar
Bupaya Pagoda is a shrine with a cylindrical, gilded dome positioned on a polygonal concrete base along the riverbank. The structure features multiple tiered, semi-circular terraces that rise from its foundation, creating a distinctive outline.
A ruler commissioned the shrine's construction around the 3rd century after clearing excessive gourd plants from the riverside site. Following an earthquake in 1975, the original brick structure was replaced with reinforced concrete.
The name comes from 'bu' meaning gourd and 'paya' meaning pagoda in Burmese, which refers to the building's distinctive rounded shape. This form makes the shrine recognizable from far away along the river.
The shrine sits on the riverbank in an open setting, making it easy to reach and offering good views from the water. Visitors should note that the concrete ground can be slippery when wet.
The shrine is especially visible from river boats because its shape stands out from a distance and differs clearly from other structures in Bagan. This visibility from the water made it an important landmark for river travelers over many centuries.
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