Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan

One of the very important pagoda to visit in Bagan is the Shwezigon. It is not only beautiful but is also one of the oldest. It holds a lot of religious significance as it enshrines a replica of tooth relic of Buddha. It has many temples and shrine in its precinct.

The pagoda stands between the village of Wetkyi-in and Nyaung U.

History of pagoda:

The pagoda was built by King Anawrahta, who founded the Kingdom of Bagan in 1044. He embraced Buddhism and began constructing temples in Bagan.

He had recieved replica of four Buddha relics which he wanted to enshrine in Bagan. The tooth relic which he got from Kandy in Sri Lanka is said to be in this pagoda.

The other three relics, molar, an emerald image of Buddha which he received from China and collar bone were enshrined at Lawkananda, Tan Kyi Taung and Tu Yin Taung.

The construction of pagoda was started by King Anawrahta in 1059 but it was completed by his son, King Kyansittha at the end of 11th century.

The shape of this pagoda later became a model for pagodas around Myanmar.

There are four entrances to the temple which are guarded by huge monolith lion. Now, only the north- east and north-west corner ones are accessible.

entrance with dwarpala on one side

Dwarpala on other side of gate

flagstaff with hintha bird on top

An octagonal platform forms the base of the golden stupa with three receding terraces. The body of bell shaped dome is made of stone bricks which were brought from Tu Yin Taung quarries. A human chain made seven mile long transported bricks hand to hand to the construction site.

The pagoda has a hti, (umbrella) on top of the dome.

It is covered by more than 30,000 copper plates. At the corners of topmost terrace small replica of pagoda are made.

replica of pagoda at corners

The base of the pagoda has fitted golden kalashas or vases with gilded bronze castings of flowers. Huge fitted stone carved alms bowls are set near them.

Each terrace has green glazed plaques of Jataka tales which relate to the life of Buddha. 

vase with golden gilt flowers

golden chinthe stand on four sides of stupa

close-up chinthe

a twin bodied golden chinthe at base of stupa

There are lotus motifs on dome and a small monk is seen where the arrow points. There are kaalmukha(ogres) all around with garland of flowers.

guardians at stair entrance

 stair going up to zedi

There are large alms bowls in one side of pagoda. Devotees put rice inside.

Like other monuments in Bagan, this pagoda too suffered severe damage in the earthquake in 1975.

There are surrounding structures around the pagoda, I shall be writing about them in my next post.