Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon
The Shwedagon Pagoda, also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda or Golden Pagoda, is a gilded stupa located on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Myanmar. Standing at 112 meters tall and 170 meters above sea level, it is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, believed to house relics of the four previous Buddhas of the present kalpa, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha himself. Its golden exterior is covered with genuine gold plates donated by devotees and monarchs over centuries, beginning with Queen Shin Saw Pu in the 15th century. Architecturally, the pagoda features a bell-shaped stupa topped with a crown adorned with thousands of diamonds and rubies, including a massive 76-carat diamond at its pinnacle. The pagoda has four grand entrances guarded by giant leogryphs and is surrounded by terraces accessible primarily to monks and men. It serves as a major pilgrimage site and cultural symbol, hosting the largest pagoda festival in Myanmar during the traditional Burmese month of Tabaung. The Shwedagon’s prominence is protected by city zoning laws that limit building heights, ensuring its dominance over Yangon's skyline. It is also listed on the Yangon City Heritage List, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during the Shwedagon Pagoda Festival, held from the new moon to full moon of Tabaung, to experience vibrant cultural celebrations. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting for photography. Purchasing tickets or making donations at official entrances can help support site maintenance. Modest dress is required, and footwear must be removed before entering sacred areas. Discounts may be available for students and local residents. To avoid crowds, weekdays are preferable.
Faits intéressants
- •The Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to enshrine relics of four previous Buddhas, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha.
- •Its golden crown is decorated with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, topped by a 76-carat diamond.
- •Yangon's zoning laws cap building heights to preserve the pagoda's dominance in the skyline.
- •The pagoda hosts Myanmar's largest pagoda festival during the Burmese month of Tabaung.
- •The gold covering the stupa is made from genuine gold plates donated by devotees and monarchs over centuries.
Histoire
Legend holds that the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed over 2,500 years ago, making it possibly the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world.
According to tradition, two merchants received eight strands of hair from the Buddha himself and enshrined them along with relics of three earlier Buddhas in a stupa on Singuttara Hill.
The first documented royal mention dates to 1362/63 CE, when King Binnya U raised its height.
Queen Shin Saw Pu further gilded and enlarged the pagoda in the 15th century.
The structure suffered damage from earthquakes over centuries, notably in 1768, after which King Hsinbyushin restored it to nearly its current height.
Subsequent monarchs, including King Mindon, contributed to its upkeep and adornment.
The pagoda remains a vital religious and cultural landmark in Myanmar.
Guide du lieu
Main Stupa15th century (gilding by Queen Shin Saw Pu)
The central gilded stupa rises 112 meters high, built on a brick plinth covered with gold plates. It houses sacred relics and is topped with a diamond-studded crown umbrella called the hti.
Entrances and Leogryphs
There are four grand entrances to the pagoda, each guarded by pairs of giant leogryph statues. These entrances lead up steps to the terraces around the stupa.
Terraces and Restricted Areas
The terraces above the plinth are accessible primarily to monks and males, emphasizing the religious protocols of the site. Visitors can walk around the base and admire the intricate gold work and offerings.
Contact
Téléphone: 01 375 767