NYAUNG-U, Myanmar (Burma) - Built in the 11th century, Shwezigon Pagoda is located in Nyaung-U, near Bagan. From a large central gold leaf-guilded bell-shaped stupa radiate a number of smaller temples and shrines. The stupa is solid, and legend has it that it enshrines a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha.
The Shwezigon Pagoda, located in Nyaung-U near Bagan, Myanmar, is a prominent gilded Buddhist temple that dates back to the 11th century. Commissioned by King Anawrahta, the founder of the Pagan Dynasty, the pagoda is considered an essential pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The Shwezigon Pagoda is said to house sacred relics of Gautama Buddha, including a tooth and a bone, which are enshrined within the temple. The pagoda is a prime example of Burmese architecture, characterized by its bell-shaped stupa, which is adorned with an ornate hti, a multi-tiered decorative umbrella-like structure. The temple complex comprises several smaller pagodas, shrines, and statues of the Buddha, all set within a walled enclosure. Intricate carvings, sculptures, and glazed terracotta plaques depicting the Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's previous lives, can be found throughout the site. In addition to its religious significance, the Shwezigon Pagoda is an important cultural and historical site. It served as a prototype for many other pagodas and temples built throughout Myanmar in subsequent centuries. The pagoda is also the site of an annual festival, typically held in November or December, during which locals and pilgrims gather to pay homage, make offerings, and participate in various religious and cultural activities. The Shwezigon Pagoda, with its rich history and stunning architecture, is a testament to the enduring influence of Buddhism in Myanmar.
Size: 4701px × 3114px
Location: Shwezigon Pagoda, Nyaung-U, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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