The Shwedagon Pagoda (Burmese: ရွှေတိဂုံဘုရား; IPA: [ʃwèdəɡòʊɰ̃ pʰəjá]) is one of the most iconic and revered landmarks in Myanmar. Known for its majestic golden stupa, the pagoda stands as a symbol of both spiritual significance and cultural heritage. Its official name is Shwedagon Zedi Daw (Burmese: ရွှေတိဂုံစေတီတော်), and it is also referred to as the Golden Pagoda or Great Dagon Pagoda. The pagoda is located on Singuttara Hill in the heart of Yangon, and it is considered the holiest Buddhist site in Myanmar.

Overview

The Shwedagon Pagoda is famed for its immense golden stupa, which is believed to enshrine relics of four of the past Buddhas, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha. Standing 99 meters (325 feet) tall, the stupa is topped with a diamond-encrusted crown, which includes a 76-carat diamond at its peak. The entire structure is covered in gold plates, and devotees from across Myanmar have contributed gold to maintain the pagoda over the centuries.

Features

• Golden Stupa: The central feature of the pagoda, made of genuine gold plates.
• Relics: It houses relics of the Buddha and other significant artifacts, such as hair strands from Gautama Buddha and relics of previous Buddhas.
• Planetary Posts: Surrounding the stupa are shrines representing each day of the Burmese week, where worshippers can perform rituals related to their birth day.
• Jewels: The pagoda's crown is adorned with thousands of diamonds and rubies, the largest being a 76-carat diamond at the top.

History

The Shwedagon Pagoda has a fascinating history stretching back over 2,500 years, according to local legends and historical records. The pagoda is said to have been built during the lifetime of the Buddha, who is believed to have personally consecrated the relics enshrined there. According to legend, two merchants, Tapussa and Bhallika, received eight strands of hair from the Buddha and enshrined them in a stupa built by King Okkalapa of Dagon.

The earliest historical records of the Shwedagon Pagoda date back to the 14th century, though repairs and expansions continued under various Burmese kings, including Queen Shin Saw Pu and King Dhammazedi. Over time, the pagoda has undergone several renovations, especially following damage caused by earthquakes.

Entrance Tickets

As of December 2017, there is an entrance fee for foreign visitors to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The cost is around Ks. 10,000 (approximately US$7). Burmese citizens and monks generally enter without charge.

Location and Address

• Address: Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
• Coordinates: 16°47′25″N 96°09′31″E.

The pagoda is located in the central part of Yangon, making it one of the city's main attractions.

How to Get There (Transportation)

• By Taxi: Most visitors take taxis to the pagoda, as it is centrally located and easily accessible by car. The ride is usually inexpensive from downtown Yangon.
• By Public Transport: Several buses pass close to the pagoda, including routes that connect it to major points in Yangon.
• Walking: If you're staying near the pagoda, it's easily accessible on foot from nearby hotels or the city center.

Tips for Getting There:

• Avoid Rush Hours: The area can be crowded, especially during festivals or religious ceremonies, so it’s recommended to visit early in the day.
• No Footwear: As with most Buddhist pagodas, visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the pagoda grounds.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is during the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, and the lighting is perfect for photographs.
• Dress Code: Wear modest clothing and remember to remove your shoes before entering the pagoda. You should also wear socks to protect your feet from the hot ground during the day.
• Respect Local Customs: The pagoda is a place of worship, so be sure to behave respectfully. You can participate in rituals like pouring water over statues or buying flowers to donate, which are common practices at the pagoda.
• Stay Hydrated: Yangon can be hot, especially during the dry season, so bring water or purchase it on-site.
• Photography: While photography is allowed, be mindful of the local customs and avoid taking pictures during prayers or religious ceremonies.

Festivals and Rituals

• Shwedagon Pagoda Festival: This is the largest and most important religious festival at the pagoda, which takes place during the new moon of the month of Tabaung in the Burmese calendar. Pilgrims gather at the pagoda to pay homage, light candles, and perform various rituals.
• Planetary Post Rituals: Each day of the week is associated with a different planet, and devotees perform rituals based on their birth day. You can see locals pouring water on Buddha images and making wishes at each of the eight planetary posts around the pagoda.

Shwedagon in Literature

The Shwedagon Pagoda has been immortalized in various literary works, including those by Rudyard Kipling, who described the beauty and spiritual significance of the pagoda during his travels to Burma.

Political and Cultural Significance

Over the years, the Shwedagon Pagoda has also been a site for political protests. It was the center of various student uprisings in the 20th century, including the 8888 Uprising, a mass protest against military rule. The pagoda continues to be a symbol of Burmese unity and resilience.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is not only a religious monument but also a central piece of Myanmar's cultural and historical identity. Whether you're visiting for spiritual reasons or simply to admire the breathtaking beauty of the golden stupa, a visit to Shwedagon is a must when in Yangon.