Shwedagon Pagoda
Location
About
The holiest Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is a 99-meter gilded stupa of immense beauty and sacred significance. According to tradition it enshrines eight hairs of the historical Buddha, given to two Burmese merchants who met him during his enlightenment. The stupa is covered in solid gold plates and topped by a 76-carat diamond, surrounded by dozens of subsidiary shrines and prayer pavilions.
Significance
The Shwedagon is the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar, the spiritual heart of Burmese national identity, and one of the most beautiful religious monuments in Asia. Its 98-meter height and gold-plated exterior make it visible from across Yangon. The pagoda has been the site of major historical events including the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and Aung San Suu Kyi's famous speech in 1988.
History & Historical Arc
Burmese tradition dates the Shwedagon to 588 BCE, though scholarly analysis places the earliest construction around 600-…
Archaeological Notes
Archaeological excavation beneath the Shwedagon is not permitted for religious reasons. The relic chamber deep within th…
Key Features & Structures
- 98-meter gilded main stupa
- Relic chamber (8 Buddha hairs)
Visitor Information
Open year-round. Dress code: remove shoes and socks at base. Modest dress required. Best at dawn or dusk.
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Harvey, History of Burma (1925)
- Burmese chronicles (Hmannan Yazawin)