SAGAING, Myanmar — Standing high on a hill in Sagaing, the OoHminThoneSel (Oo Hmin Thone Sel Pagoda) Pagoda features a long, curved alcove lined with dozens of statues of the Buddha. After recent ongoing renovations and upgrades made possible by donors, the pagoda is ornately decorated with colorful tile mosaics and fresh, bright paint.
Photograph by David Coleman. The OoHminThoneSel Pagoda, located in Sagaing, Myanmar, is a remarkable example of Burmese Buddhist architecture that stands out for its unique spiral design. Built in the 14th century during the Ava period, this striking white structure is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Sagaing Hills, an area renowned for its numerous monasteries and pagodas. The pagoda's name, OoHminThoneSel, is said to mean "three times around," which aptly describes its unusual form. Unlike the typical bell-shaped stupas common in Myanmar, this pagoda is constructed as a series of concentric, terraced circular platforms that spiral upwards. This design creates a winding path that leads pilgrims and visitors to the summit in a clockwise direction, mirroring the Buddhist practice of circumambulation. The brilliant white exterior of the pagoda is a striking contrast to the lush green landscape of the Sagaing Hills. The use of whitewash not only gives the structure a dazzling appearance but also serves a practical purpose in reflecting the intense heat of the Myanmar sun. As visitors ascend the spiraling terraces, they encounter a series of small stupas and niches, many containing Buddha images or relics. These elements add to the spiritual significance of the journey to the top, creating opportunities for devotees to pause for prayer or meditation at various points along the climb. The architectural style of OoHminThoneSel Pagoda is believed to symbolize Mount Meru, the sacred five-peaked mountain considered to be the center of the physical, metaphysical, and spiritual universes in Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu cosmology. The spiraling design may represent the path to enlightenment, with each level bringing the devotee closer to spiritual awakening. From the summit of the pagoda, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Sagaing Hills, the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River, and the plains beyond. This vantage point offers a breathtaking perspect
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Oo Hmin Thone Sel Pagoda, Sagaing, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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