Bago

Bago is one of the old capitals of this region of Myanmar. If was founded, according to legend, in 573 CE.

The highest pagoda in South-East Asia, the Shwedagon Pagoda is in Bago. It also has two large reclining Buddhas, the Shwe Tha Lyaung and the larger Naung Daw Gyi Mya Tha Lyaung. It is also home to a large teaching monastery, the Kya Khat Wine Monastery.

All pictures are © Dr. Günther Eichhorn, unless otherwise noted.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the highest pagoda in South-East Asia with a height of 114 m (374 ft). According to legend, it was founded during Buddhas lifetime, by two merchant brothers, Mahasala and Kullasala, after they returned from India with two hairs given to them personally by Gautama Buddha. They built a small stupa to enshrine the hairs. It has been enlarged repeatedly since then. Sacred teeth relics were added to the collection in 982 and 1385.

During an earthquake in 1917, the top umbrella fell down. A new one was put on the pagoda, the old one is displayed next to the pagoda.

It was almost completely destroyed in a 1930 earthquake. Parts of the pagoda from before the earthquake are incorporated in the new building.

View of the Shwedagon Pagoda. (747k)

The Shwedagon Pagoda. (814k)

The Shwedagon Pagoda with part of the pagoda that was destroyed in the 1917 earthquake. (851k)

Building next to the Shwedagon Pagoda. (833k)

Buddha statues in the Shwedagon Pagoda. (946k)

Buddha statue with the Varada Mudra in the Shwedagon Pagoda. (900k)

Small Buddha statue in the Shwedagon Pagoda. (1068k)

Small Buddha statue in the Shwedagon Pagoda. (960k)

Ceremonial bell from King Dhammazedi in the Shwedagon Pagoda. (1060k)

Spire umbrella from King Bodawpaya, that fell down during the 1917 earthquake. (743k)

Kya Khat Wine Monastery

This monastery is mainly for teaching Buddhism. There are some 450 monks in the classes.

Classroom in the Kya Khat Wine Monastery. (861k)

Dining hall in the Kya Khat Wine Monastery. (786k)

Kitchen in the Kya Khat Wine Monastery. (882k)

Kitchen in the Kya Khat Wine Monastery. (781k)

Kitchen in the Kya Khat Wine Monastery. (918k)

Firewood for the kitchen. (1006k)

Call for Lunch. (795k)

Monks on their way to lunch, passing through a gauntlet of tourists and worshipers. They receive food and other gifts from the spectators. (853k)

Monks on their way to lunch, passing through a gauntlet of tourists and worshipers. They receive food and other gifts from the spectators. (857k)

Monks on their way to lunch, passing through a gauntlet of tourists and worshipers. They receive food and other gifts from the spectators. (785k)

Sleeping room of the monks. (790k)

Naung Daw Gyi Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha

This reclining Buddha is 82 m (269 ft) long. It was build in 2002 on the site of an older reclining Buddha, apparently from 1862. This is one of the longest reclining Buddhas. It is the only one outside without a building. Unfortunately, this presents problems with damage to the Buddha.