Shwedagon Pagoda – The Most Expensive Pagoda in the World

» About Shwedagon Pagoda

If you want to perfect your travel to Myanmar, don’t forget to visit the 2500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda, an indispensable image of Myanmar tourism. Located west of the Royal Lake on 114 -acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon City and enshrining strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics, the pagoda is the most sacred and impressive Buddhist site for the civil of Myanmar.

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Shwedagon Pagoda

Originally, the pagoda was only 8.2 meters high but now, it stands close to 110 meters. Covered with hundreds of gold plates with the top encrusted with 4531 diamonds, the largest of which is a 72 carat diamond, the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is clearly one of the wonders of the religious world and one of the best treasures of architecture, sculpture and arts.

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72-Carat Diamond on the Top of Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda consists of hundreds colorful temples, stupas, and statues reflecting the architectural era spanning almost 2,500 years. To have an exhaustive look at the golden pagoda, visitors will experience an insider’s view of this magnificent symbol of Buddhism to the lives of the Myanmar people.

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A Shrine at the Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar is Administered by the Pagoda’s Board of Trusteeshe, It forms the focus of religion and community activities and bustling of devotees and monks such as washing the statues, offering flowers, worship, and meditation.

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Some People Come to Shwedagon Pagoda to Pray for Their Love

» Obama, The Great President of America Visited the Shwedagon Pagoda

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Obama In Front of Shwedagon Pagoda

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Obama Pours Water on the Buddha Statue in Shwedagon Pagoda

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Obama Signs Guest Book at the Shwedagon Pagoda

» Architecture of Shwedagon Pagoda

Much of the pagoda’s beauty derives from the complex geometry of its shape and surrounding structures, and mesmerizes its golden glow. It rises 326 feet (99 m) on a hill 168 feet (51 m) above the city. The lower stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold bars, and upper part is plated with another 13,153. The pagoda base’s is 1420 feets and its height is 326 feets above the platform. The top of the stupa, too high for the human eye to discern in any detail, is decorated with 5448 diamonds, 2317 rubies, sapphires, and other gems and 1065 golden bells.

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The Top of Shwedagon Pagoda with Diamonds

» Design of Shwedagon Pagoda

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» Exhibits of Shwedagon Pagoda

This golden pagoda is not simply a place of worship only, it is also a custodian for Myanmar art, history and architecture. And nowadays, it is one of not-to-be-missed places to visit in Yangon.

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Local People Praying in Shwedagon Pagoda

This exhibit, available to visitors depicts its biography. It is a tribute to those who built it, to the Buddhism principles it represents, and to the hopes it inspires.

Located on the main platform, the Shwedagon Pagoda traces the history and symbolism of the pagoda via photographs.

» Opening Hours of Shwedagon Pagoda

Opening Hours: 04:00 – 22:00 hrs, except on the following days that Shwedagon Pagoda is open 24 hours:

1.Waxing Day of Tabaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Tabaung (around March)

2.Waxing Day of Wakhaung – the day before full moon day of the Myanmar Lunar month Wakhaung (around June which is the beginning of the Buddhist Lent)

Read More about Shwedagon Pagoda Festivals 

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Prayers Burning Incense to Hope for a Better Life

It is open daily. Last admission is at 21:45 hrs.

» How to Get to Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is situated in downtown Yangon on Shwedagon Pagoda Road on Singuttara Hill, Dagon township, just West of Kandawgyi Lake. Taxi from downtown to there is available with a cost of about 3-4$/pax (You should agree with the driver on the price first because usually, the meter will not be used)

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Don’t Miss the Shwedagon Pagoda in Your Yangon Travel

Learn More about Shwedagon Pagoda History 

Tours to visit Shwedagon Pagoda: Shwedagon Pagoda TourYangon City Tour 

Comments (5)

  1. Quazi Monjur Ahmed says:

    How much gold used to covered in Shwedagon Pagoda?

    • Myanmar Private Holidays says:

      Dear Quazi Monjur Ahmed,
      Many thanks for your questions.

      At moment, according to estimates, the temple is covered with 90 tonnes of gold-plated
      _________________
      Thank you for your interest in our article on https://yangondaytours.com/, a member of Myanmar Private Holidays.

  2. valeroth says:

    Exceptionally well written! Like

  3. Aung Phyo Wai says:

    How many gold plates from the top band to third band in Shwe Dagon Pagoda?
    And how many weight?

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