- Address: Strand Rd, Yangon MMR013017, Myanmar
- Phone: +95 971 62 58 13
- Height: 40 m
- Creation: about 2500 years ago
- Opening hours: 6:00 - 22:00
- Entry fee: $ 2
- Cost of photo / video: 1 dollar
The Botataung pagoda is one of the central attractions of Yangon . In total, there are three such pagodas in the city - Shwedagon and Sule, no less popular. And our article will tell you what is interesting Botataung pagoda, located in the largest city of Myanmar .
History of Botataung Pagoda
In the translation from Burmese, the word "Botataung" means "a thousand commanders" ("bo" is a military leader, "tatung" is a thousand). So they called the pagoda after about 2000 years ago it was transported from India to Myanmar under the protection of a thousand military men. But on this "adventure" the pagoda did not end - in 1943 it was almost destroyed by a direct bomb hit from an American bomber. In the post-war years the church was rebuilt, following the original style of the building with one small exception - read about this later.
Architecture of the construction
To date, the architectural features of Botatung Pagoda are as follows. The structure is located on a cylindrical platform, in the center of which is the main stupa of tiles. It is surrounded by several small stupas.
The main difference between Botataung pagoda and other similar cult constructions is hollowness. Between its outer and inner walls there are voids, along which you can walk. Now there is a small museum. Initially, the pagoda was intact and was intended to store one of the eight Buddha's hair brought here from India. Subsequently, when a structure formed after the fall of the bomb, an entrance was made in its place, and the pagoda turned into that most unusual historical monument that we see today. The roof of the stupa is covered with the finest gold leaf, both on the outside and inside. The abundance of gold is the first thing that catches the eye of the visitor.
Why is the pagoda interesting for tourists?
The inhabitants of Yangon Botataung pagoda is one of the most revered shrines. It is believed that here still holds a lock of hair of Siddhartha Gautama himself, which makes this temple a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists from around the world. As for ordinary tourists, they come here to admire the unusual beauty and grace of the stupa and its picturesque surroundings.
While walking along the inner emptiness of the pagoda, richly decorated with gold and mirrored mosaic, you can see many ancient Buddhist relics, including those that were walled in the original building. This is usually a variety of Buddha images and offerings to him, gold and silver, as well as many miniature figurines adorned with precious stones. Near the main relic - the golden cylinder with the prophet's hair - there is a sign with the inscription in English "Budda`s sacred hair relic".
It is also interesting to visit the hall located on the eastern side of the pagoda with a large gilded Buddha. This sculpture has its own history: during the reign of King Mingdon Ming, during the occupation of Myanmar by Britain, the statue was transported first to the glass palace of King Thibaut Ming of the Conbaun dynasty, and then to London. The Buddha returned to the Botataung temple in 1951, after Myanmar gained independence.
While here, be sure to visit the "Pavilion of Spirits", where you can admire the statues of numerous Hindu spirits and deities. And when you leave the pagoda, you will see a large pond where hundreds of water turtles swim, both huge and tiny. It is especially interesting to visit the children here. Then you can go to the river pier and feed the seagulls - there are also a lot of them.
Tourists point out that there is an unusual silence around the pagoda, despite the fact that there is a nearby market and a busy road, and life is boiling. In the pagoda itself it is usually not very crowded and there is an atmosphere of tranquility and tranquility - perhaps, the energy of this unusual place affects.
How do I get to Botataung Pagoda in Myanmar?
This landmark is located near the Yangon River, between Chinatown and the National Museum. To get here from the city center you can either walk, strolling along the long street Stand to the old Chinatown, or by taxi (3-5 dollars). Keep in mind that to enter the pagoda should only be barefoot - however, this applies to all Buddhist shrines.
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