Mingun Bell
Mandalay
The Mingun Bell, located near Mandalay on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River, is a monumental bronze bell cast in 1808 under the orders of Burmese King Bodawpaya. Weighing over 90 metric tons, it was designed to be the largest ringing bell in the world and remains uncracked and in good ringing condition. The bell's surface bears an inscription of its weight in Burmese numerology, making it culturally significant. Architecturally, the bell measures over 6 meters in height with a rim diameter close to 5 meters. Although it lacks a clapper, it is rung by striking its outer edge. Historically, it was cast to accompany the massive Mingun Pahtodawgyi stupa and was transported via a sophisticated system of canals and boats. The bell was dislodged during an earthquake in 1839 and later resuspended in 1896 through public efforts. Until the year 2000, it held the record as the heaviest functioning bell globally, symbolizing Burmese royal ambition and craftsmanship.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry season for easier access and clearer views. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance if visiting the Mingun temple complex to avoid queues. Modest entrance fees often include access to nearby attractions. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the uneven terrain around the site.
Interesting facts
- •The bell weighs exactly 55,555 viss (90,718 kg), a number memorized in Myanmar through a mnemonic phrase using Burmese numerology.
- •It was cast using an alloy that included gold, silver, bronze, iron, and lead.
- •The bell does not have a clapper and is rung by striking its outer edge.
- •A famous photograph of the bell before its resuspension was taken by Felice Beato, a pioneering photographer.
- •Until 2000, it was the heaviest functioning bell in the world before being surpassed by the Bell of Good Luck in China.
History
The Mingun Bell was cast between 1808 and 1810 by King Bodawpaya as part of his grand temple complex project.
It was cast on the opposite bank of the Irrawaddy River and transported by boat through specially constructed canals.
In 1839, a major earthquake knocked the bell off its supports.
It remained suspended on the ground until 1896 when it was resuspended by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company using screw jacks and levers, funded by public subscription.
The bell held the title of the largest ringing bell in the world until 2000.
Place Guide
The Bell Itself1808-1810
The massive bronze bell is notable for its enormous size and flawless condition despite its age. Visitors can observe the intricate inscriptions on its surface that detail its weight and casting history.
Zayat Housing the Bell
The traditional Burmese pavilion (zayat) shelters the bell, protecting it from the elements and providing a cultural context for the structure.
Nearby Mingun Pahtodawgyi StupaEarly 19th century
Though not part of the bell itself, the nearby massive unfinished stupa project contextualizes the bell's original purpose as part of a grand temple complex.
