Travelholic: Yangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda, #Myanmar

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Yangoon's Shwedagon Pagoda, #Myanmar

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring ~

We had a few hours to spare before boarding the train to Bagan the day we arrive Myanmar, only one thing in our mind; a must visit pagoda in Yangoon. Chartering a taxi for few hours by just hailing at the roadside was the way we girls survive our hours in Yangoon, surprising it is not that hard especially when we found a nice local who speaks good English to negotiate with us the stops and cost.

We set foot in this magnificent 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda or the Great Dagon Pagoda or also popularly known as the Golden Pagoda. If one comes to Kuala Lumpur and uses Petronas Twin tower as the landmark to guide them in the city, in Myanmar, Shwedagon Pagoda will be it. A golden glittered pagoda which enshrines strands of Buddha's hair is noted as the most sacred pagoda in Myanmar.

Background
Shwedagon Pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a 72 carat diamond. It is clearly one of the wonders of the religious world. Shwedagon Pagoda is a repository of the best in Myanmar heritage – architecture, sculpture and arts. The Shwedagon Pagoda consists hundreds colorful temples, stupas, and statues that reflects the architectural era spanning almost a 2,500 years.

From Board of Trustees of Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda is sitted on the holy Singuttara Hill where once the resting spot of the relics of three Buddhas and Siddharta Guatama's 8 miraculous hairs hence the area was deemed sacred, for more history, please read HERE. Resting against clear blue skies, the golden pagoda seems majestic and glorious to any travelers' eyes.

Travelers need to be mindful on the simple basic rules entering a pagoda, dress modestly; avoid revealing or skimpy clothing. You will be requested to remove your shoes at the entrance and this includes sock. Shoe shelf is placed at the entrance counter, one can keep his shoe there or simply bring a plastic and store them in your bag.