Tharrawaddy Min Bell, Bronze bell at Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar.
The Tharrawaddy Min Bell is a massive bronze bell housed in a dedicated pavilion on the northeast side of Shwedagon Pagoda. Its surface displays intricate carvings and inscriptions that were carefully worked into the metal.
A royal family had this large bronze bell cast in the 1840s and gilded it elaborately. The project was a significant undertaking that took several years to complete and was supervised by senior state officials.
This bell bears the name of a historical king and symbolizes the connection between religious faith and artistic craftsmanship in Myanmar. Visitors come to this location to say their prayers and admire the skilled craftsmanship that was carved into the bronze surface.
The bell is located on the temple grounds and is accessible from the middle terrace. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and bring sturdy footwear, as the surfaces can be uneven.
The bell was originally given a name in Pali that means "Great three-toned sweet sound," which describes its acoustic properties. This poetic naming reveals how much the ancient artisans cared about the sound that the bell would produce.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
