Hpaung Daw U Pagoda
Shan
Phaung Daw U Pagoda is a significant Buddhist shrine located in Ywama village on Inle Lake in Shan State, Myanmar. It houses five small gilded Buddha images, covered so extensively with gold leaf that their original forms are obscured. These images, believed to have been brought by King Alaungsithu of the 12th-century Pagan Dynasty, are among the most venerated relics in the region. Every year, during the Burmese month of Thadingyut (September to October), the pagoda hosts an 18-day festival where four of these images are placed on a royal barge shaped like a hintha bird and paraded around the lake. The procession is a spectacular event with leg-rowers towing the barge and accompanying boats, stopping at various villages where the images are housed overnight. The festival culminates in Nyaung Shwe town, attracting pilgrims who pay homage. Notably, the pagoda trustees have recently banned the application of gold leaf on the statues due to their increasing weight. The pagoda's cultural and spiritual significance, combined with its unique festival, make it a vital destination for visitors interested in Myanmar's religious traditions and lake life.
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Tip: Visit during the Thadingyut festival (September to October) to witness the unique royal barge procession. Purchase tickets or join tours in advance as the festival attracts many pilgrims. Note that only men were traditionally allowed to apply gold leaf, but this practice has been suspended due to statue weight. Early morning visits offer a quieter experience. Respect local customs, especially around the sacred images.
Interesting facts
- •The five Buddha images are so heavily covered in gold leaf that their original shapes are no longer visible.
- •The royal barge used during the festival is designed as a hintha bird, a mythical creature in Burmese culture.
- •In the 1960s, the barge carrying the images capsized during high waves, and one image was believed to have miraculously returned to the monastery after being lost in the lake.
- •Only men were traditionally permitted to apply gold leaf to the statues, a practice now banned to protect the statues' integrity.
History
The Buddha images at Phaung Daw U Pagoda are believed to have been brought to Inle Lake by King Alaungsithu of the Pagan Dynasty in the 12th century.
Over centuries, the images have become heavily gilded with gold leaf, leading to restrictions in recent years to prevent further application due to their weight.
The annual pagoda festival, lasting 18 days, has been held for generations, featuring a royal barge procession around Inle Lake villages.
In the 1960s, the barge capsized during a storm, and one image was reportedly lost and miraculously found back at the monastery.
The festival and pagoda remain central to the spiritual life of the local Buddhist community.
Place Guide
The Five Gilded Buddha Images12th century
These small statues, ranging from 9 to 18 inches tall, are covered in gold leaf to the extent that their original forms are obscured. They are the central relics of the pagoda and the focus of the annual festival.
Royal Barge (Hintha Bird)
A replica royal barge shaped like a hintha bird used to carry four of the Buddha images during the 18-day festival procession around Inle Lake villages. It is towed by leg-rowers rowing in unison, creating an impressive spectacle.
