The origins of the Shewedagon Pagoda are lost in the sands of history, popularly referred to as the most famous pagoda in Burma; the Shwedagon Pagoda is a 98 meter high gilded stupa in Yangon. It is also the most sacred of all Buddhist monuments in Burma with relics from four Buddhas being enshrined within its structure. Namely the hairs of the Gautama Buddha, the robe of the Kassapa Buddha, the water filter of the Konagamana Buddha and the staff of the Kakusandha Buddha.

According to legend the stupa is over 2,500 years old, thought definite records of its age are not available, and historians say that it is likely that the Shewedagon Pagoda was built between the 6th and 10th centuries by the Mon ethnic group. This is however a very controversial argument as many Buddhist monks believe that the pagoda was built before the Buddha died.

According to legend the story of the Shewedagon Pagoda is as follows; two merchant brothers known as Thapassu and Bhalluka hailing from the land of Ramanya near the modern day Thai-Burmese border had received eight hairs from the Buddha to be enshrined in a Pagoda to be built in Burma.

The design of the Shewedagon Pagoda has given it four separate entrances, the eastern and southern gates have vendors who sell good luck charms, religious books, candles, incense sticks and Buddha images. Pair of mythical lion figures guards all four entrances. The base of the stupa is built with brick covered with gold plates; above the base is a terrace which only the monks are allowed to access. Above that is the bell-shaped body of the pagoda topped off with an inverted alms bowl combined with lotus petals, the very top has a 76-carat diamond that is surrounded by 5,000 smaller diamonds and 2,000 rubies.

Located close to many a Yangon hotel, the Shewedagon Pagoda is a must-see attraction in Burma. A hotel in Yangon close to the city’s cultural highlights as well as offering great transportation links is the best choice for tourists.