Shwedagon Pagoda

Shwedagon Pagoda History

In the year 103 of the Mahā Sakkarāja Era (588 BC), after attaining enlightenment as the Gotama Buddha, he journeyed through the Seven Places of Enlightenment-Attainment. During this time, two merchant brothers named Tapussa and Bhallika from the Ukkalāpajanapada offered him rice cakes and honey. The Buddha graciously gave them eight strands of his hair. The brothers carried these sacred relics back to Ukkalāpa. Upon their return, the King of Ukkalāpa, along with the townspeople, welcomed and revered these relics.

Shwedagon Pagoda History

In the year 103 of the Mahā Sakkarāja Era (588 BC), after attaining enlightenment as the Gotama Buddha, he journeyed through the Seven Places of Enlightenment-Attainment. During this time, two merchant brothers named Tapussa and Bhallika from the Ukkalāpajanapada offered him rice cakes and honey. The Buddha graciously gave them eight strands of his hair. The brothers carried these sacred relics back to Ukkalāpa. Upon their return, the King of Ukkalāpa, along with the townspeople, welcomed and revered these relics.

Announcement

Since September 2024, the Shwedagon Pagoda has been donating pure gold plates. Around May 2025, Ceremony of Buddha Bisaka Mingala Anekaza will be held. You can also donate ‌for 25 lakhs per 1 kyat of gold plate and 150 lakhs per 6 kyat of gold plate. The pure gold plates donated by the end of March 2025 will be included in the whole gold robe donation program that is currently being carried out.

Places to Visit

Pagodas

Nine Wonders

Pavilions

Four Walkways

Four Adoration Halls

Stone Pillar Inscriptions

Belief and Faith

Garden and Miṅgalā Pond

Major Bells

Planetary Posts

History of Shwedagon

In the year 103 of the Mahā Sakkarāja Era (588 BC), after attaining enlightenment as the Gotama Buddha, he journeyed through the Seven Places of Enlightenment-Attainment. During this time, two merchant brothers named Tapussa and Bhallika from the Ukkalāpajanapada offered him rice cakes and honey. The Buddha graciously gave them eight strands of his hair. The brothers carried these sacred relics back to Ukkalāpa. Upon their return, the King of Ukkalāpa, along with the townspeople, welcomed and revered these relics.
The inhabitants of Ukalāpa, under the guidance of King Ukalāpa, enshrined the sacred relics of previous Buddhas at the Siṅguttara Hill. These relics included the staff of Kakusandha Buddha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana Buddha, the robe of Kassapa Buddha, and eight strands of hair from Gotama Buddha. They constructed and venerated the Shwedagon Pagoda, which stands at a height of 66 meters (216 feet) with dimensions of 44 meters by 20 meters. Due to the presence of the relics from these four Buddhas, the pagoda earned the title “Shwedagon Pagoda of the Four Sacred Relics.

Festivals

In order to preserve the great Buddhist religion, ceremonies were held to commemorate the memorable days of the Buddha.

Ten Traditional Art Forms

Successive dynasties adorned stupas, pavilions, and spires with Myanmar traditional art “Ten Flowers” to Shwedagon Pagoda in their era.

Maha Buddha Exhibition Hall

The Maha Buddha Exhibition Hall is located at the northwest corner of the Shwedagon Pagoda and is open for public display. This grand hall was formerly the Buddha Zayenthi Dhamma Hall.

Teachings of the Buddha

Among the Buddha’s teachings, certain essential doctrines must be understood, followed, and diligently practiced.

Organization of the Cetiyangana Examination

The Shwedagon Pagoda Treasury Management Committee not only focuses on the maintenance and preservation of the Shwedagon Pagoda for its long-term stability but also strives to promote and expand the Buddha’s teachings. As a significant opportunity to cultivate renowned individuals in the Buddhist community, the Treasury Management Committee has conducted the Cetiyangana Examination since 1984, starting from the 67th occasion in the year 1345. This examination has now been held for the 106th time in 2024.
Throughout this period, to ensure the longevity of the Buddhist teachings, the committee annually organizes the examination, celebrates the achievement of successful candidates, and offers monthly alms and rice donations. These religious activities are funded by donations from devout supporters, ensuring the continued vitality and prosperity of the Buddhist community.

Modern Shwedagon Temple, Religious Buildings, and The Status of Religious Preservation