Bago

The Shwemawdaw or ‘Great Golden God Pagoda’ of Bago has been growing for more than 1000 years. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda whose spire can be seen behind this impressive entrance portal. was originally built by the Mon to a height to 23 meters in the 8th century and was rebuilt higher several times until it finally reached its present 114 meter stature in 1954. The pagoda was originally built by 2 merchants. Taphussa and Bhalita. to house some hair relics of the Buddha. Originally built to a height of 23 meters. it has over the centuries become the tallest of the Burmese pagodas. As with other pagodas. this growth in size occurred during numerous reconstruction periods. usually following great earthquakes. The most recent quake. in 1930. nearly leveled the ancient structure and it was not until 1952 that it again dominated the Bago skyline. Legends say that enshrined beneath the towering pagoda are the hairs and teeth of the Buddha. Because of these relics. Shwemawdaw is visited by throngs of Buddhist pilgrims during all hours of the day and night.

 

 

Kyaik Pun Pagoda is in the form of four gigantic Buddha images all in sitting posture facing the four cardinal points of the compass. They are seated back to back against a massive brick pillar. This unusual and impressive pagoda is only a few hundred feet off the Yangon-Bago road. It was built by King Dhamma Zedi in 1476 A.D. They are kept in a fair state of preservation. Kyaik Pun pagoda is situated amidst the lush rugged countryside strewn with a large number of ancient ruins many of which are under repair. According to a legend four mon sisters were connected with the construction of the images. It was said that if one of them marry. one of the Buddha would collapse.

Opening Hours	– 4am to 9pm
Opening days	–  Daily
Admission Fees	– US$ 2

There are many other famous pagodas in Bago. like the Mahazedi (the Great Stupa) built by King Bayinnaung in 1560 A.D.. and Hinthakone Pagoda. which you should see.

It is known that the pagoda enshrines a tooth-relic brought from Sri Lanka. Tradition has it that Hinthakone is the hill where the two sacred mythical ducks called Hintha (Hamsa) alighted. when only the very top of the hill was above the ocean.

The name Hantha-wadi or Hamsavati by which Bago and her kingdom were known. originated from this name.

 

Opening Hours	– 4am to 9pm
Opening days	–  Daily
Admission Fees	– US$ 2

Just behind the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. It has good views over Bago from the hilltop. Believed to be the tiny-spot of legendary source. that hillock is decorated with small shrine and the symbolic figure of the female Hansa bird perching on the back of the male one.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

Kanbawza Thadi. the famous palace of King Bayinnaung (1551-1581 A.D.) is being extensively excavated and some buildings are being rebuilt. King Bayinnaung was the founder of the Second Myanmar Empire. which stretched from the borders of India to parts of Thailand and Laos. In 1566 A.D. he built a new capital city called Hanthawadi on what is now Bago. To the south of the Shwe-Maw-Daw Pagoda he built a grand palace. which he named Kanbawza Thadi.

Excavations at the palace site were started on 25th April 1990. The Archaeological Department has up to now excavated six mounds. which revealed the brick foundations and plinths of the old palace. Many teak pillars. some with inscriptions were also found. The Settaw Saung. one of the main rooms of the palace has been reconstructed and the work is 90 percent finished. Also the main Audience Hall(the Lion Throne Room) is being rebuilt. The palace site transferred to the Archaeology Department comprises of 9.662 acres. The reconstructed 16th century palace of Hanthawadi and the whole palace site will become a main tourist attraction in the near future.

 

TRAVEL TIPS

 

SHWEGUGALE

This zedi dates back to 1494 and the reign of King Byinnya Yan. while it looks fairly modern. It features a dark gu (tunnel) with 64 seated Buddha images inside.

 

KALYARNI SIMA