Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda (sch-way-da-goo) is one of the most famous in the world and is the most sacred in Myanmar. It is 368 feet tall to the top of the spire and dominates the city skyline with its golden grandeur and is often called the "Crown of Burma". Some say it is over 2,500 years old but no documents exist to prove it. Historians and archaeologists put it at being built between the 6th and 10th centuries.

The main gold dome is topped by a stupa containing over 7,000 diamonds with the largest one on top being over 76 carats. The stupa is believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas including the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, and eight hairs from the head of Gautama.

Enjoy the pictures as there was way too much information about all the different surrounding temples and statues to remember.

Dress code was enforced. We had to have on long pants and remove our shoes and socks.

Volunteer ladies sweeping the area.

A visitor with a token of appreciation to be placed on one of the Buddhas and ask for a favor.

Singu Min Bell - there is a history where this bell was seized by the British army to melt down for ammo but they lost it in the river. The citizens of Burma later figured out how to raise it from the bottom and return it to the temple.

A lady weaving a covering to used on one of the Buddha statues.

Visitors lighting candles and saying their evening prayers.

Dhammazedi bell - believed to be the largest bronze bell ever cast weighing 665,000 lbs.

Dusk brought a whole new perspective with the lights.

There is a ceremony where you ask the Buddha of your birth day of the week for blessings. I bought a small flower lei to place on Monday, and then poured water over his head. Figured a few extra blessings couldn't hurt.

There are small bells all around the courtyard and you would hear someone ringing them every now and then. This is done by people who feel they have great blessings to share with others. So I shared my blessings with the group.

After our visit at the pagoda we went for dinner. Didn't get back to the hotel until a little after 9. At least I don't have to get real early in the morning.