Shwesandaw Pagoda
Shwesandaw Pagoda, also called Shwesandaw Paya, is an impressive Buddhist temple that stands tall above the plains of Bagan in Myanmar. With its grand presence and fascinating history, it's a recommended destination for anyone exploring this ancient city.
King Anawrahta, the founder of the Bagan Kingdom, started building the pagoda in 1057 AD. He was a devout Buddhist and wanted to spread his faith throughout his empire. He believed that building impressive pagodas would inspire people to follow Buddhism.
The pagoda is named Shwesandaw, which means "Golden Hair Relic." It is said to contain a hair relic of the Buddha. King Anawrahta obtained this relic from King Manuha of the Mon Kingdom. This shows King Anawrahta's commitment to unifying the Buddhist faith in Myanmar.
The pagoda is 328 feet tall and is built in the typical Mon style. It has a bell-shaped base, a tapering cylindrical body.
The Tabodwe full moon festival at Shwesandaw Pagoda features massive bonfires that light up the night sky and attract thousands of visitors. Shwesandaw Pagoda is a beautiful and inspiring place of worship that will leave a lasting impression.
Time: 6 AM to 8 PM
Address: 5V78+GC8, Old Bagan, Burma