Mahazedi Pagoda
Bago
Mahazedi Pagoda is a significant Buddhist monument located in Bago, Myanmar. Constructed by King Bayinnaung in 1559-1560, it was originally built to house a gold and jewel-encrusted replica of the Buddha's tooth relic, gifted by the King of Kotte. The pagoda's original structure stood impressively at approximately 68.58 meters tall, excluding its iconic umbrella spire, the hti. Over the centuries, the pagoda has witnessed political upheavals; its relics were relocated multiple times by successive Burmese kings to Taungoo and later to Inwa. The pagoda suffered extensive damage from several major earthquakes along the Sagaing Fault, notably in 1564, 1583, 1888, and was completely destroyed in 1930. It was subsequently rebuilt in the 1950s, restoring its status as a revered religious site. The Mahazedi Pagoda remains a symbol of Burmese Buddhist heritage and architectural resilience, attracting pilgrims and visitors interested in its rich history and cultural significance.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the dry season for comfortable weather and check opening hours in advance. Purchasing tickets ahead is advisable during peak pilgrimage periods. Modest dress is recommended as it is a sacred religious site. Visitors may also benefit from guided tours to fully appreciate the historical and cultural context of the pagoda.
Interesting facts
- •The pagoda was built to house a replica of the Buddha's tooth relic gifted by the King of Kotte.
- •The original height of the pagoda was approximately 68.58 meters (225 feet) without the umbrella spire.
- •The pagoda has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes along the Sagaing Fault.
- •The umbrella spire, known as the hti, was first raised atop the pagoda on 2 January 1561.
History
The Mahazedi Pagoda was commissioned by King Bayinnaung in November 1559 to enshrine a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, completing construction six months later in May 1560.
The relic arrived in 1576, enhancing the pagoda's religious significance.
It endured multiple earthquakes in 1564, 1583, and 1888, with the 1930 quake completely leveling the structure.
After decades in ruins, the pagoda was reconstructed in the 1950s, restoring its place as a prominent Buddhist monument in Myanmar.
Place Guide
Main Stupa1560
The central towering structure originally built to enshrine the sacred Buddha tooth relic, showcasing traditional Burmese Buddhist architecture.
