|
A most sacred temple
 The
origin of the Shwedagon Pagoda dates back to over 2500 years.
Gautama Buddha presented eight strands of sacred hairs to
two merchants, who offered it to King Okkalapa on their return.
The king built a pagoda on a hilltop overlooking the port
city of Okkalapa, in which the sacred hairs were enshrined.
Successive monarchs enlarged the pagoda by building outer
structures over the original. The present stupa reaching a
height of 326 feet was completed in the mid 1450s by Queen
Shin-sawpu. The last renovation of the Shwehtidaw (literally
meaning the "Golden Umbrella" and comprising of
the Diamond Bud, the vane and the shaft) was successfully
undertaken by King Mindon in 1871. Many a foreign traveler
awestruck by the splendor of its golden glory, proposed that
it be listed as one of the wonders of the world.
 The
Shwehtidaw having suffered a great deal of corrosion within
a period of 128 years, the State Peace and Development Council,
under the guidance of Senior General Than Shwe, undertook
to renovate not only the Shwehtidaw but the general condition
of the whole premises. The task of restoring the pagoda to
its present day grandeur was completed in April, 1999
Pagodas, temples and monasteries in Myanmar are not funded
by the government, but are self-supporting with donations
made by devotees and pilgrims. During the period of the recent
restoration, people from all walks of life donated over Kyats
734.8 million in cash, 69 viss (113 Kilos) of gold, and 67,868
pieces of jewelry and gems.
 The
tranquility that prevails within the premises of this revered
shrine is a special attraction for pilgrims and tourists from
far and near; not only to pray and meditate, but to just sit
and admire the awesome spectacle, while being at peace with
oneself.
Naung-taw-gyi literally means elder brother. The Naung-taw-gyi
Pagoda is referred to as such, because it was built as a design
model on which the construction of the main pagoda was based.
Note: Information on this page supplied
by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar.
|
