The Laungbanpyauk Pagoda
The Laungbanpyauk Pagoda stands at a distance of
500 feet to t he Mokseiktaw. Minkhaungraza built the
pagoda in 1525 A.D. Two walls surround it. The outer
surface of the inner wall is decorated with fine
designs and is formed by stones projecting an inch
out of the wall; at the center of each is a rosette,
containing eight colored clay tablets of red,
yellow, blue, and green alternately, with a white
center. The diameter of the ornament is 1' 8". An
opening in the east and one from the west lead to a
platform raised about 6 feet above the level of
surrounding ground. The massive stone pagoda at the
center is an octagonal pyramid; each side measures
at the base 33 feet and rises in ever-receding tiers
to a height of about 120 feet (at present only 75
feet remains.).
On the first tier, at the middle of each of the
eight sides, originally-stood a porch consisting of
two square pillars forming the sides of the porch.
Each niche contains an image of the Buddha. The
outer surface of the appendage displays an exquisite
pattern of carving in stone. The design is so fine
and outstanding that well-known architects have
recorded it in detail. |
