Shwedagon Pagoda【Buddha's Light Shines Everywhere】

- **Name**: Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda. - **Location**: Located on Singuttara Hill in northern Yangon, Myanmar, at an altitude of 51 meters, it is the highest point in Yangon. - **History**: Originally built in 585 BC, it has a history of more than 2,600 years. When it was first built, the pagoda was only 8 meters high. After several renovations and expansions, it is now 112 meters high. 2. Architectural Features - **Structural Design**: The Shwedagon Pagoda resembles a giant inverted bell. The base is cruciform, with a perimeter of 427 meters. The entire pagoda is covered in gold leaf, using more than 7 tons of gold. - **Decorative Details**: The top of the pagoda is inlaid with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 gems, and the top is crowned with a 76-carat diamond. Around the pagoda, 1,065 gold bells and 420 silver bells are hung. When the wind blows, the bells ring, spreading the sound in all directions. - **Subsidiary Buildings**: There are 64 smaller pagodas surrounding the Shwedagon Pagoda, each with a unique shape. Some of these smaller pagodas house jade Buddha statues. 3. Cultural and Religious Significance - **Buddhist Shrine**: The Shwedagon Pagoda enshrines eight hairs of the Buddha, the staff of Kakusandha Buddha, the water filter of Konagamana Buddha, and the robe of Kassapa Buddha. It is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists in Southeast Asia. - **Symbolism**: As a national symbol of Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda is not only the center of Buddhist faith but also a symbol of unity and pride for the people of Myanmar. 4. Tourist Information - **Opening Hours**: Open daily from 5:00 to 22:00. - **Ticket Price**: 10,000 kyats (about USD 5). - **Best Time to Visit**: October to February, when the weather is pleasant. 5. History and Legends - **Legend of Construction**: According to legend, the construction of the Shwedagon Pagoda is related to the Buddha. Two brothers met the Buddha in India and received eight hairs of the Buddha as a gift. Later, they were buried under the pagoda together with three relics of the Buddha, making it a sacred Buddhist site. - **Historical Changes**: The Shwedagon Pagoda has undergone many renovations, increasing from its original height of 8 meters to the current 112 meters, witnessing the historical and cultural changes of Myanmar. With its magnificent architecture, rich cultural connotations, and profound religious significance, the Shwedagon Pagoda has become a world-famous Buddhist relic and tourist destination, attracting countless tourists and believers.