Shwemawdaw Pagoda
Tallest pagoda in Burma
The Shwemawdaw Paya in Bago is the tallest pagoda in Burma. With its height of 114 meters it is 15 meters taller than the Shwedagon Pagoda in nearby Yangon.
The impressive Shwemawdaw, which translates to “Great Golden God” was built by the Mon people over a thousand years ago. It is one of Burma’s most sacred sites, because it enshrines several relics of the Buddha.
The towering pagoda glittering in the sun can be seen from miles around. The grounds are peaceful and not much visited by tourists. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, as a result of the destruction caused by earthquakes.
Two huge Chinthe, mythological animals that look like a lion stand guard at the entrance of the temple grounds. Numerous small pagodas are placed at the base of the 114 meter tall Shwemawdaw. The pagoda is topped with a diamond studded hti, a top ornament shaped as an umbrella found on most Burmese temples.
Structures around the stupa
On the terrace surrounding the stupa are statues of Nat spirits and eight shrines where Buddhists pray. There is one shrine for each day of the week and two for Wednesday, that is split in two. Every shrine is associated with a planet in accordance with Eastern astrology. People pray to the shrine belonging to their birthday.
In front of the Shwemawdaw lies the top section of the pagoda that broke off during the devastating 1917 earthquake. Around the pagoda are several shrines and ornately decorated pavilions with a multi tiered Pyatthat roof. A bell on the main platform was donated by King Dhammazedi, King of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom during the late 15th century. The bell contains inscriptions made by the King.
A small museum on the grounds exhibits ancient wooden and bronze images of the Buddha as well as other artifacts found after the 1930 earthquake. The Bago area has been hit by powerful quakes many times. After the 1930 earthquake largely destroyed the stupa, it was rebuild and enlarged to its current height in 1954. Pictures of the pagoda after the 1930 quake and the rebuilding can be viewed in the covered walkway leading to the pagoda.
Legend of the Shwemawdaw Paya
The Shwemawdaw Paya was built in the 10th century by a Mon King. The pagoda, which was much smaller than it is today was built to enshrine two hair relics of the Buddha. According to legend, the hair strands were given to two Burmese merchants by the Gautama Buddha himself. In the year 982 and again in 1385, tooth relics were enshrined in the pagoda.
How to get to Shwemawdaw Paya
The pagoda is found on Pagoda road near Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace, East of NH1 National Highway. A trishaw from downtown Bago to the pagoda should cost no more than 1,000 Kyat.
Opening hours
The temple grounds open daily from 6 am until 9 pm.
The grounds can get very busy during Buddhist holidays and Burmese national holidays.
Entrance fee
The Bago archaeological zone ticket at US$ 10 per person is valid to visit the pagoda as well as for most other historical sites in Bago. Hold on to your receipt since staff check regularly.
There is a US$ 3 camera fee.
Attractions in Bago
To do & see in Bago