Shwedagon
Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar, Segment One
The
98 metres tall, with the use of over 30 tons*
of glittering gold sheets, another source states it has 5,448 diamonds, 2,317 Rubies
used in its construction and decoration over the years, Shwedagon Pagoda is a major
landmark in the capital city of Yangon, Myanmar. Along with the at Phra Kaeo (or
Keow or more popular referred as "The temple of Emerald Buddha"
in Bangkok), both can be easily regarded as the most spectacular Buddhist shrines
in Asia. Graceful and prominent even from miles away, the entire structure of the
Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city as it is located at hilltop site. The center
dome of the Pagoda which forms the core of the entire development was reputedly built
dating back to over 2000 years old. I would not like to believe it was 2500 years
as the local suggested as the Buddhist calendar is 2548 now (as at 2005). According
to legend, the original stupa was built to enshrine eight of Buddha's hairs which
was placed at the central dome. The development of the entire Shwedagon Pagoda and
its nearby temples and pagadas of smaller scales and an assortment of Buddhist religious
statues, shrines & pavilions. According to legend, the Shwedagon went through
a round of major renovation back in 1769.
* refer to next page
for traceable source in the usage of gold & other precious metals/stones. 30
tons was more like an assumption based on local belief.