Botataung Pagoda
Yangon
Botataung Pagoda, located in downtown Yangon near the Yangon River, is a significant Buddhist site believed to be over 2,500 years old, originally built by the Mon people. The pagoda is uniquely hollow inside, featuring a mirrored maze-like walkway that showcases many ancient relics and artifacts sealed within the original structure. According to tradition, it was named after the thousand military officers who guarded the sacred Buddha relics brought from India and enshrined here. The original pagoda was destroyed during World War II in 1943 by Allied bombing but was rebuilt starting on the day Myanmar gained independence in 1948. During reconstruction, an important relic chamber was uncovered containing a stone casket shaped like a pagoda, precious stones, and numerous gold, silver, and terracotta images depicting Buddhist scenes. Inside nested stone caskets were a small gold pagoda and a tiny gold cylinder holding two body relics and a sacred hair of the Buddha, making the site a place of deep religious significance. The current structure stands 131 feet 8 inches tall on a 96 by 96 feet base, combining historical reverence with architectural uniqueness. Visitors can explore the interior corridor lined with glass cases displaying these priceless relics, offering a rare spiritual and cultural experience.
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Astuce: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience a peaceful atmosphere. Tickets can be purchased on-site; consider checking for any available discounts or guided tours. The pagoda is accessible daily, and exploring the hollow interior walkway is a highlight. Photography inside may be restricted, so inquire locally. Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking through the maze-like corridor.
Faits intéressants
- •The pagoda is hollow inside, featuring a mirrored corridor that displays ancient relics and artifacts.
- •A relic chamber discovered during reconstruction contained over seven hundred images made of gold, silver, brass, and stone.
- •Inside nested stone caskets were precious stones and a tiny gold cylinder holding two body relics and a sacred hair of Gautama Buddha.
- •The ancient terracotta plaques found depict Buddhist scenes and bear inscriptions in a script close to ancient Brahmani, linking the pagoda to the Mon people.
- •The pagoda was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1943 during World War II and rebuilt starting on Myanmar's independence day in 1948.
Histoire
The Botataung Pagoda was originally constructed by the Mon people over 2,500 years ago, contemporaneous with the Shwedagon Pagoda.
Its name commemorates the thousand military officers who guarded the Buddha relics enshrined there.
The pagoda was destroyed in 1943 during World War II bombings and remained in ruins until rebuilding commenced on January 4, 1948, the day Myanmar gained independence.
Excavations during reconstruction revealed a relic chamber containing numerous treasures, including a pagoda-shaped stone casket and sacred relics.
The new pagoda was completed with a distinctive hollow design housing these relics for public viewing.
Guide du lieu
Mirrored Hollow CorridorPost-1948 reconstruction
A unique interior walkway lined with mirrors and glass showcases containing ancient relics, artifacts, and images recovered from the original pagoda's relic chamber, offering a contemplative spiritual experience.
Relic Chamber ArtifactsDiscovered 1948
The relic chamber uncovered during rebuilding contained a pagoda-shaped stone casket, terracotta plaques with Buddhist scenes, precious stones, gold and silver images, and a tiny gold cylinder with sacred relics of Buddha.