Yangon is a city where there are numerous pagodas. Apart from these pagodas, there are also stupas and other worship shrines that cover the rest of the Burmese capital. Yangon’s pagodas are one of the things the city is famous for. The pagodas reveal the true culture and beliefs of the Burmese people. Although parts of the city have already been modernized, devotees still use the pagodas for their regular religious rites. The colorful pagodas remind of the beauty and magnificence of true Myanmar customs.
Here are some of the famous pagodas in Yangon:
shwedagon pagoda (Golden Pagoda) – This pagoda has a height of 321.5 feet and is located in the western part of Kandawgyi Lake, below Singuttara Hill. For the Burmese, Shwedagon Pagoda is the holiest pagoda of Lord Buddha. According to them, the place of worship was built to house the Buddha’s hair. The spire of the pagoda is thickly layered with gold and contains rubies, diamonds and precious stones that make the place a renowned site. It has a beautiful lighting effect as if the Buddha still lives in the place. The pagoda is a wonderful sight to behold and is sure to delight visitors with its divine beauty.
Botataung Pagoda – Botataung means “1000 military officers” in the Burmese language. It is said that this pagoda was where the thousand military officers of the King of Burma guarded the relics of the Buddha when they were brought from India to Burma some two thousand years ago. Although Botataung Pagoda is sacred inside, locals believe that it still houses the holy relics of Gautama Buddha. The pagoda was destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt after the war ended. It is now open to the public and serves as one of the historical sites in Yangon.
Maha Wizaya Pagoda – Maha Wizaya Pagoda was built in 1980, located on Dhammarakkhita Hill, also called The Guardian of the Law Hill. The pagoda is now a very famous place in Yangon receiving thousands of visitors every year. The Maha Wizaha contains traditional and decorative arts made by modern artists and craftsmen. You will find two giant guardian lions in the entrance hall of the pagoda, which is a typical icon of the Burmese tradition. There are many beautiful and artistic things to see inside the pagoda that keep visitors coming back for more.
world peace pagoda – This is a well-known Buddhist stupa that was built to give people of all races a place to come together in search of world peace. There are other pagodas around the world that have the same design as the World Peace Pagoda in Yangon. It is also where Buddhist monks gather during world peace ceremonies.
sule pagoda – You will find the Sule Pagoda in the center of Yangon. It occupies the center where Burmese contemporary Burmese politics, geography and ideology originated. The pagoda is believed to have been established over 2,500 years ago. It was built with an Indian stupa structure that is a replica of an relic cast. Sule Pagoda is covered in gold paint and is an eye-catching sight, especially at night when the lights are turned on.
Those are just a few of the many other pagodas, religious shrines, and stupas found in Yangon. A visit to the city will never be complete without visiting some of these pagodas that showcase the unique culture of the Burmese people.