The Shwedagon Pagoda (Burmese: ရွှေတိဂုံဘုရာ), also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar. Its height(112) and shiny appearance makes it the landmark of Yangon, even Myanmar, a place where tourists must visit when they go to Myanmar.
The pagoda is not just a tourist attraction, but also the most important sanctuary for the Burmese, security check is a must before you get in.
The pagoda sits on the top of Singuttara Hill, besides stairs, tourists can also access through escalators.
According to tradition, the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed more than 2,600 years ago, which would make it the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world.
The Shwedagon is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, as it is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas of the present kalpa. These relics include the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, and eight strands of hair from the head of Gautama.
The stupa's plinth is made of bricks covered with gold plates. Above the base are terraces that only monks and other males can access.
Next is the bell-shaped part of the stupa. Above that is the turban, then the inverted almsbowl, inverted and upright lotus petals, the banana bud and then the umbrella crown.
The gold seen on the stupa is made of genuine gold plates which is donated from the people all over the country, such practice continues to this day after being started in the 15th century. The crown is tipped with diamonds and different kinds of gems, the whole stupa is priceless.
By the way, will it be better if you use those wealth to help the poor people in Myanmar?
