| Yangon
& Its Environment |
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Yangon
Yangon,
The Capital of City, is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen
and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful
lakes, Yangon
has earned the name of “The Garden City Of The East”.
Yangon was
founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of small settlement
called Dagon
when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon
means
“End Of Strike” which was anglicized as Rangon
by the British. The present
day Yangon covers 400 sq km and has a population of over
4 million.
The Great Shwedagon Pagoda
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The main attraction of
Yangon is the world famous“Shwedagon
Pagoda” 100 meters above the green cityscape of
Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark visible from miles
around.
Shwedagon, one of the wonders of the world, was
believed to have been built over2500 years ago where the four
Buddha’s relics were enshrined. Successive kings had embellished
the Pagoda during the 15th century and Queen Shin Saw
Pu raised it to its present Height. |
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The
shwedagon pagoda is situated at the top of the Seingotra
Hill
which is 190 ft above the sea level. It is most
venerated not only by
the people of Myanmar but also by the Buddhist
from all over the
world.
(1)
The water filter of the Kekuthanda
(2)
Walking stick of the Kornagmana Buddha
(3)
The bathing robe of Kassapa Buddha and strands of hairs
of
Gottama
Buddha.
These 4 Buddha has already appeared
in our present world. It is no
wonder why the Shwedagon pagoda so famous and become
one of
the wonders of the world. |
The
history of pagoda is that 2500 years ago the trader brothers
from here to India for trade. The ancient name of
Yangon was called Okkalapa at that time. There,
in India, 2 brothers heard that Prince Sedahta had become
Buddhahood as
Gottama Buddha. They came to meet the Buddha and
offered the honey cakes that they brought from their home.
Buddha
gave sermon to them. Before they leaving they asked
Buddha to give something on behalf of himself to be worshipped
in their
country Okkalapa.Then, Guttama Buddha presented
them his 8 strands of hair. When they arrived back in
Okkalapa, the king
and the people had got this information in advance.
They welcomed the sacred hairs and the 2 brothers in great
ceremony.
The sacred hairs were placed on the Yangon River
side and escorted by 1000 military leaders for several
months. Because
they had to choose the right place and holy to
build a pagoda for the hairs to be enshrined. With the
help of the 4 local
guardian spirits, finally they could choose their
Seingottra Hill. When they were digging the hill, the
3 other remains of the 3
previous Buddhas were unearthed. So, this site
could be confirmed for them as the suitable place to build
Shwedagon
Pagoda. So that the 4 relics of the 4 Buddhas were
enshrined together in the relic chamber inside the pagoda.
Since then, the
Shwedagon pagoda was called “The pagoda in
which 4 relics of 4 Buddhas were inside”.
The original height of the Shwedagon pagoda was 66 ft
(18m). The successive Myanmar kings and Mon kings had
renovated it and gillted it and raised it to present
height of 326 ft (99.6m)
You can see the 4 Buddha Images sitting at 4 prayer Halls,
facing to east, west, south and north. These 4 buddhas
are
the Buddhas whose relics were enshrined inside
Kakuthanda-Image---facing to the east (the 1st Buddha)
Konagamana-Image---facing to the south (the 2nd Buddha)
Kassapa-Image---facing to the north (the 4th Buddha)
There have 4 stairways leadind to the top of the hill.
Nowadays there are 3 lifts and 1 escalator at 4 entrances.
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Sule
Pagoda
It
was built since 2200 years ago. The ancient name was called
“Kyauk-Ah-Thoke”in Mon language. It means
the pagoda which contained
one sacred hair of Buddha.
The pagoda
history in that 2200 years ago, the 2 missionary monks
called Sorna and Uttra passed through Yangon to Thuwanabumi
Thaton to
propagate Buddism there. They had to stay overnight in
Yangon. At that
time, Yangon was named Dagon under the Mon ruling. The
Mayor of
Dagon named hosted them with accommodation and meals
very well.In
return, the 2 monks presented hin one Buddha sacred hair.
Then, Dagon
Mayor, Sura, built a pagoda and kept it inside. The pagoda
built bySura |
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was called Sura pagoda. As the time passed, Sura pagoda changed
into Sule pagoda. The height of Sule Pagoda is 46 m. It is
located right in centre of downtown area. |
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City
Hall
It
is situated at the north of the Mahabandoola Garden, was opened
in 1936. The
architecture of the City Hall incorporates many of the
traditional Myanmar motif
designs and the symbol of the old kingdom, the dancing
peacock.Outstanding as a
landmark in the heart of the city. It is one of the
last few public buildings completed
just before Second World War(1939-1945). |
Bandoola
Park
Bandoola
Park is the oldest one and famous for years,
contemporary with foundation of capital Yangon. The most
prominent of this park is the striking oblique of independent
monument.
Bandoola
park is the spacious land with beautiful horticultural
flowers and shady trees in a well lay-out plan.
Independence
Monument
It
is situated in the centre of Mahabandoola Garden, was
opened in 1950. |
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Botahtaung
pagoda
The
meaning Botahtaung is 1000 military leaders. “This pagoda
has been relating
of Shwedagon pagoda’s history. When the 2 brothers,
Tappausa and Balika, with 8
strands of Buddha hairs were rousingly welcomed on the
Yangon river bank.There
the sacred hairs had to be escorted by 1000 military
leaders and rested there for 6
months before the king the 2 brothers found suitable
site to enshrine. So, this spot on
the Yangon river bank was later known as Botahtaung jetty.
Before
building Shwedagon pagoda, the king of Okkalapa, presented one
sacred
hair to each brother. Tapotha, after he got one hair,
he decided to build a pagoda and |
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enshrined
his Buddha’s hair in it. He chose this Botahtaung Jetty,
where Buddha’s sacred hairs had been staying for 6 months.
To commemorate this event, he built this pagoda on the
spot of Botahtaung jetty and the pagoda was well-known as
Botahtaung pagpda. In 11th century, during the Mon ruling,
the pagoda’s name was Mon name called Kyaik-de-ut. It
means the
pagoda with one sacred hair.
The pagoda’s
height is 40m and it’s not like other stupa. It is hollow
type, like a maize inside decorated with glass mosaic.
In the glass showcase along the wall are the artifacts
since ancient tine donated by the devotees. During the World
War 2, the
pagoda was totally destroyed by an air raid and in a very
similar style of its original monument. |
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Kabaraye
Pagoda ( World Peace Pagoda )
KabaAye,
meaning world peace, was built to commemorate the Sixth Buddhist
Synod in 1954, which was held in Maha Pasana Guha (Cave) within
the same
compound.
It
was built in 1952, by the late prime minister U Nu, during his
period. The name
of Kabaraye means World Peace Pagoda dedicating peace
and tranquility for people
all over the world. There are five seated Buddha images
inside facing to the five
entrances.Except Depinkaya Buddha image the rest of 4
were the Buddhas who had
attained Buddhahood in previous world. At the back of
each Buddha images has its |
own
Bohdi Tree under which they attained Enlghtenment.
(1) Depankaya
Buddha--- the previous Buddha of previous world. He attained
enlightenment under Bodhi tree
(2) Kakusandha
Buddha--- the 1st Buddha in this present world. He became buddhahood
under Bodhi tree.
(3) Kawnagamana
Buddha--- the 2nd Buddha of this present world. He attained
enlightenment under Bodhi tree.
(4) Kasapa
Buddha--- the 3rd Buddha of this present world. He attained
enlightenment under Bodhi tree.
(5) Gottama
Buddha--- tha 4th Buddha of this present world .He attained
enlightenment under Bodhi tree.
Right
in the centre, there is a relic chamber. In this chamber a huge
Buddha statue made of silver sitting inside.
On the
left\ right side, there are 2 relic boxes which are keeping
relics of 2 desciples of Gottama Buddha called
Thariputtara and Mougalan. The two deciples had been very
outstanding in Buddha’s life time. Right hand side disciple
Thariputtara, had been outstanding in wisdom (knowing
widely and thoroughly). Left hand disciple, Mougalan, was
outstanding in miraculous power. Their relics were presented
by the late prime minister of India.Ne ru.
Around
the outside wall of the pagoda, there are Buddha statues standing
different style from different countries. |
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Karaweik
Palace
The
Karaweik palace or the royal barge is rested at the Eastern
edge of royal
Kandawgyi lake. The height of central building in typical
Myanmar Architectural style
is 130 ft reflecting the old days. |
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Chauk
Htat Gyi Pagoda
The
huge 72 meter Reclining Buddha, built in 1907 was
damaged due to exposure to climate over the years.
Chauk
Htat Gyi Pagoda is situated on Shwegondine Road which is a
short distance from Shwedagon. Actually, it is not a pagoda.
That is an
image of Lord Buddha in reclining position. There are
3 kinds of position
of Buddha. They are sitting position,standing position
and reclining
position.
Out of reclining position, there are also 4 different
kinds depending upon
the head position, if the head is to the east that presents
Buddha’s
discussion with celestial beings, if the head is to the
west it means |
speaking
with human. If the head direction is turning to the north that
symbolize Buddha’s nlrvana and if the head is to the
south, Buddha is relaxing.
The measurement
of the image is about 70m long, the breadth is 16m. It is the
3rd largest reclining image in Myanmar. To
tell the background history, it was donated by a merchant
Sir Po Thar in 1907. Being kept in the open air the original
image was
destroyed by natural disasters So,the monk from its surrounding
got an idea to rebuilt the image in 1957. In this case, the
present position was changed from the original one.It
was build of bricks and cement, and the eyeballs were made of
glass. It
is enclosed by a number of monasteries and rest-house
with a covered stairway to the south. Apart from the scence
of busy
and noisy, the environs is tranquil and enjoyable shady
trees except for student monks and young novices. |
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National Museum
Located
at Pyay Road. It is a 5-storey building and opened on 23rd June,
1996.
On the
ground floor,
the alphas and letters from the various period are
displayed.
That will give you an experience about paleographic evolution
of Myanmar alpha and
literature. The major exhibition on the ground floor is
the Lion Throne. There were 9
Thrones in kongbong Dynasty, including of 2 Lion Thrones.Because
of having 108
lions-figures. It is called lion throne made of clog-wood. The
lion throne was the most
important as it was the symbol of authority and crown
of the state.
The exhibition
on the 2nd floor
are Myanmar traditional folk arts and musical |
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instruments.
A full set of tradional ensemble in beautiful glass mosaic and
the musical instruments in the form of crocodile
which is the auspicious of Mon people.
On the
3rd floor,
it accommodates a variety painting from the prehistory to the
modern period. Among them, the replica of
Padalin Cave and its mural paintings.
The 4th
floor exhibits cultural items and
traditional arts handicrafts of different national races. The
main objective of this
show room is to consolidate the national solidarity and
preserve the various cultures of indigenous races living in
the
motherland.
To sum
up, the National Museum is a significant landmark to the cultural
evolution and in the history of our stage and
its’people. It is a place where the cultural heritages
of the entire Myanmar people is well preserved.
Lion
Throne---Constructed by king Bodaw
Paya in 1816.Weight is 2.5 ton. Height is 36 ft (11m). Length
is 12 ft (3.6m). It
is called Lion Throne beause it is decorated with figures
at the base. There are 2 Lion Thrones-one was housed in Audience
Hall or Myay Nan inside the palace complex and the
present lion throne was placed in the Assembly Hall outside
the palace
complex.
It was
used when hearing lawsuits. No one was allowed to sit on the
throne. But, during the king’s absence, the
Crowned Prince had a right to judge the cases by
standing beside the throne and touching the throne with right
hand.
There
were 8 types of thrones numbering 9 in quantity. Surrounding
the great lion throne are miniature replica models of
the great lion thrones used by Myanmar kings in ancient
times. They are-Lion Throne (Myay Nan), Elephant Throne, Bumble
Throne, Conch Throne, Hamsa Throne, Peacock Throne, Lotus
Throne, Deer Throne. |
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Bogyoke
Market
It
was opened in 1926. It was formerly called Scott Market named
after Mr. Jarvin
Scott, Yangon Municipal Commissioner during the British
colonial government.
In 1942,
the name was changed to Yan Naing Market.
When he
gained independence in 1948, the name has been changed to Bogyoke
Aung San Market as the honour to our national leader Bogyoke
Aung San who fought
for the independence.
Local
as well as imported household goods, textiles, lacquerware,
silverware,
sculpture, jewelry and gift are available. |
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Mailamu
One
day, the hermit saw an uncommonly large Lamu ( man-grove ) fruit
n the
woods and he brought it to the hermitage. Later, a beautiful
girl named out of the
fruit. She was called mailamu after the Lamu fruit. She helped
the old hermit making
chores around the hermitage.Foreseeing the future, Sakka came
down to the
human abode taking the form of a young man and be got a child
by Mailamu. That
child become King Okkalapa who built Shwedagon pagoda. |
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Other
Yangon's Attraction Sites are
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Buddhist Art Museum
The Buddhist Art Museum at the Kaba Aye Pagoda has a wide collection
of
religious paraphernalia and Buddhist texts.
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Maha Pasana Cave
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Mahar Wizaya Pagoda
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Bogyoke Park & Kandawgyi Royal Lake
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People’s Square & People’s Park
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Hlawga Wildlife Park |
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Zoological Garden which display a large variety of species found
in Myanmar and many from other habitat.
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Cultural Museum where the regalia of the last Myanmar king and
the imperial throne are placed.
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Gems Museum where priceless gems of Myanmar such as ruby, jade
and pearl are displayed among many interesting
gems,
There are many jewel shops offering a wide range of Myanmar
made jewellery to meet one’s taste and budget.
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Defence Service Museum where many interesting displays of Myanmar’s
military might during the Myanmar kings was
retraced up to the contemporary period. |
Thanlyin
(syriam)
Once a trading port occupied by the Portugees
in early 17th
Century, Thanlyin and its surroundings offer many attrections.
The old
buildings still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese
occupation.
The 1822 metre long bridge spanning the Bago river made possible
the
30 minutes drive from Yangon.
Thanlyin
was a major trade centre in the late 16 century and early
17 century. In the late 16 century, Portuguese adventurer Phillip
De Brito
occupied Thanlyin and founded the first colonial administration
in
Myanmar.He destroyed a large number of monuments in order to
obtain
jewelry.
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In
1613, King Anaukphetlun raided into Thanlyin and seized Phillip
De Brito. As a result of destroying Buddhist
monuments, he was punished death by impalement.A famous
Myanmar writer Natshinnaung was also executed assuming he
had connected with Phillip De Brito.
One
can go on excursion to Thanlyin across Bago River by car or
by train through Thanlyin Bridge It is the longest and
biggest bridge in Myanmar.
Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda
Situated
on Ottaringa Hill, to the south of Thanlyin, on the southern
bank of Bago River, at the confluence of Yangon and
Bago Rivers. It was built by Ashin Khawlaka and Thaton
King Sula Thirima Thawka. It is believed 6 sacred hairs of Buhhha
obtained from King Asoka were enshrined. It was called
Khawlaka pagoda name after the Khawlaka but later it came to
be
known as Kyaik khauk pagoda. Just before this pagoda are
the tombs of two famous Myanmar writers Natshinnaung,
Duke of Taunggu in the late 16th ce ntury and early 17th
century and Padethayaza.
Nat-Shin-Naung's Tombstone
The
other interesting is a tombstone belonged to the late warrior-poet
called Nat-Shin-Naung, Duke of Taunggyi in the late
16th century and early 17th century.
Padaitharaja tombstone
A tomb stone was erected with Padaitharaja's
burial urn inside the northern compound of Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda.
Padagyi or Padaywa Nga-Htat-Gyi
pagoda
The huge Buhhha image is located at Padagyi
village by the road of Thanlyin-Kyauktan. Now the gigantic Buddha
image is
placed under the shelter of 5-adoraton-halls, enclosed
by a wall measured 122 ft from east to west and 118 ft from
north to
south.
Old Church In Thanlyin
Thanlyin
known as Syrim in British colonial times, was one of Myanmar’s
seaport towns which thrived on oversea trade
and commerce. Among the old monuments in Thanlyin,stood
still, are now Old Portuguese Church. The two inscriptions shelter
in a small brick-house are inside main body of church.
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Kyaik-Maw-Wum
Mid River Pagoda (Yele Paya)
“YeLe` Pagoda”
means “The Pagoda at the center of the river. Crossing
the river by
sampan takes about ‘5’
minutes.
It is situated 12
km south of Kyaik Khauk pagoda. The pagoda was enshrined with
one sacred hair and on
the sp chosen by the hemit and resting on a small island.
It
was built by King Bawgathena,
founder of Pada nation. The sacred hair relic of
Buddha and other relics
given by a hermit were enshrined. At first,the height was
only 10.5 ft (3m) high.
During the time of king Twekka Naga, the 10th king after
king
Bawgathena, 27 relics were
received from Srilanka. They were also enshrined and
the King made 3 vows
(1)
May the platform never be flooded
(2)
May the space enough for the pilgrim
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(3) May the donor enjoy
wealth even in this raised up to the present height of 51 ft
(15.5m) |
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Twante
Twante is 30km south of Yangon and well known for
its pottery. The process of making pottery and hand –
woven
cotton cloth can be seen. |
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