Shwedagon Pagoda is the "Buddhist temple of life".
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🌟 Review of Shwedagon Pagoda: Myanmar's Radiant Symbol of Faith
The Shwedagon Pagoda is not only Myanmar's most sacred religious site, but also a focal point for Thai and Burmese Buddhists, radiating its stunning beauty both day and night. Here are some real experiences from pilgrims and insights:
🏛️ 1. Sacredness and Long History
Eight Strands of Hair Relics: Legend states that it was built 2,500 years ago by a Mon king to enshrine the Buddha's hair relics, given to two merchant brothers, Tapussa and Bhallika.
Golden Architecture: The pagoda is entirely covered in gold and adorned with 5,448 diamonds, 2,317 rubies, and a massive 76-carat diamond at the top. They glisten when hit by sunlight or decorative lights at night.
🙏 2. Worship Rituals: Enhance Lanna-Burmese Auspiciousness
🔸 Pay homage to the Buddha of the Day of Birth
Around the base of the pagoda are statues of eight animals symbolizing each day of birth (including Rahu for those born on a Wednesday night). The steps are as follows:
First, pay homage to the Buddha image in the temple surrounding the pagoda.
Pour water over the marble Buddha image and the deity of your day of birth.
Pour water over the animal statues a number of times equal to your age plus one for good fortune.
🔸 Sacred Prayer Points
Star-Shaped Plaza: Located in the northeastern direction near the Swan Pillar. It is believed that making a wish here will bring success.
Circumference: Walk clockwise around the pagoda once while chanting or meditating.
🌞 3. Beauty during Daytime vs. Nighttime: The Power of Light
Time, Atmosphere, and Highlights
During the day, sunlight illuminates the golden pagoda. ✨ The architectural details and colors of the surrounding pagodas are visible.
At night, the pagoda is illuminated with decorative lights. 🌟 The diamonds on the pagoda's top reflect the shimmering light, clearly visible at the "Diamond Viewing Point" near the prayer area.
🤝 4. Cross-Border Faith: Thai-Burmese Relations
Pious Culture: Burmese people dress respectfully (men wear sarongs and women wear sarongs) and remove their shoes at all times upon entering the pagoda area. Shoe storage facilities are also available.
Thai Participation: Many pilgrimage tours from Thailand are held. This is especially true during important festivals, such as Makha Bucha Day, when Buddhists sweep the pagoda grounds as a tribute to the Buddha.
ℹ️ 5. Pilgrim Information
Opening Hours: 4:00 AM–10:00 PM
Admission: 10,000 Kyat (≈ 250 baht) for foreigners. Free for Burmese nationals.
Things to Know:
Dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless shirts).
Visit in the evening to escape the heat and enjoy the evening lights.
Beware of lost shoes from the shoe drop-off area.
💎 Summary: Full of merit and joy in the glow of faith.
Shwedagon Pagoda is a "Buddhist temple of life," a perfect fusion of faith, beauty, and culture. Paying homage not only opens up a spiritual experience, but also reveals the similarities and differences between Thai and Burmese Buddhism... A place where golden light shines during the day, and the sparkling diamonds of wisdom at night. ✨ As a Thai pilgrim abbreviated in search results:
"Full of merit and joy... "It's truly even more beautiful than in the pictures."
If you have the chance to travel to Burma, don't miss paying respects to the sacred chedi to truly experience the "power of faith" you can truly feel! 🙏