Mingun Pahtodawgyi
Mandalay
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an incomplete monument stupa located in Mingun, about 10 kilometers northwest of Mandalay in central Myanmar. Initiated in 1790 by King Bodawpaya, the stupa was intended to be a colossal religious structure reaching 150 meters tall. However, construction was deliberately halted when the structure reached only about 50 meters, partly due to a prophecy that completing the pagoda would lead to the downfall of the kingdom or the king's death. Thousands of prisoners of war were forced into labor to build this massive edifice, making the project a heavy burden on the population. Despite its unfinished state, the site holds the record for the largest pile of bricks in the world. The stupa suffered significant damage from a major earthquake in 1839, which caused large cracks in its structure. Today, Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a popular tourist attraction featuring a small shrine with a Buddha image used for worship and meditation. Nearby stands the Pon Daw Pagoda, a smaller model representing the intended design of the massive stupa. The site also includes the Mingun Bell, cast by the same king, which is the second largest ringing bell in the world and weighs 90 tons. Visitors can reach Mingun by ferry across the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay and explore the ruins on foot or by bullock cart.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Mingun Pahtodawgyi is during the cooler months from November to February to avoid Myanmar's hot season. It is recommended to take the ferry from Mandalay across the Irrawaddy River early in the day to enjoy a full visit. Tickets for the ferry and entrance can usually be purchased on-site, but arriving early helps avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the ruins and climb to the small platform atop the stupa for panoramic views of the river. Modest dress is advised when visiting the shrine. No specific discounts are widely advertised, but local guides may offer combined tours with other nearby attractions.
Faits intéressants
- •Mingun Pahtodawgyi holds the record for the largest pile of bricks in the world.
- •The Mingun Bell, cast to accompany the stupa, weighs 90 tons and is the second largest ringing bell globally.
- •The bell's weight is memorably encoded in Burmese numerology as 55,555 viss (a traditional unit).
- •Thousands of prisoners of war were used as forced labor to build the stupa.
- •An earthquake in 1839 caused large cracks that contributed to the abandonment of the project.
Histoire
Construction of Mingun Pahtodawgyi began in 1790 under King Bodawpaya, who sought to build one of the largest pagodas in the world.
The project used thousands of forced laborers, including prisoners of war from Arakan.
Due to a prophecy that completing the pagoda would bring disaster to the kingdom or the king's death, construction was intentionally slowed and eventually abandoned after the king's death.
By then, the stupa had reached about one-third of its planned height.
In 1839, a major earthquake caused severe cracks in the structure, further halting any restoration efforts.
Since then, the site has remained an impressive but incomplete monument and a testament to the king's grand ambitions and the era's turbulent history.
Guide du lieu
Main Structure of Mingun Pahtodawgyi1790
The massive unfinished stupa that was intended to reach 150 meters but currently stands at 50 meters tall. Visitors can explore the brick ruins and climb to a small platform at the top offering views of the Irrawaddy River.
Small Shrine Inside the East Portal
A small shrine within the stupa houses a Buddha image and serves as a place for worship and meditation despite the incomplete main structure.
Pon Daw Pagoda Model
A nearby smaller pagoda model representing the intended design of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, typical of models used in large pagoda projects in Myanmar.
Mingun BellEarly 19th century
A gigantic bell cast by King Bodawpaya, weighing 90 tons, and recognized as the second largest ringing bell in the world. It is a significant cultural artifact connected to the stupa.