Kuthodaw Pagoda (literally Royal Merit, and formally titled Mahalawka
Marazein) is a Buddhist stupa, located in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma), that
contains the world's largest book.
It lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill and was built during the reign of King
Mindon.
The stupa itself, which is gilded above its terraces, is 188 feet (57 m) high,
and is modelled after the Shwezigon Pagoda at Nyaung-U near Bagan.
In the grounds of the pagoda are 729 kyauksa gu or stone-inscription
caves, each containing a marble slab inscribed on both sides with a page of
text from the Tripitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.
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Approaching the south gate.
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Mindon Min.
Mindon Min had the pagoda built as part of the traditional foundations
of the new royal city of Mandalay in 1857.
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He was later to convene the Fifth Buddhist Synod in 1871, but wanted
to leave a great work of merit by having the Tipitaka set in stone for
posterity, meant to last five millennia after the Buddha.
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See more at
Mindon Min - Wikipedia.
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Detail of one of the four gate protectors.
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Covered corridor that goes from the gate to the pagoda.
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The covered corridor has several gates.
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Scale model of Kuthodaw Pagoda.
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Row of kyauksa gu or stone-inscription caves, each containing
a marble slab.
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Marble slab.
Each marble slab is inscribed on both sides with a page of text from the
Tipitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.
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Southern Pavilion.
Southern Pavilion with the South Buddha on the south side of the pagoda.
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The pagoda has a pavilion around it with a Buddha at each cardinal
point.
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Kuthodaw Pagoda seen from the southwest.
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Saturday corner.
The Burmese zodiac employs eight signs in a seven-day week, with each
sign representing its own day, cardinal direction, planet (celestial
body) and animal; it is known as the "Mahabote zodiac".
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Mythological lion.
Chinthe is the Burmese word for 'lion'. The leograph of Chinthe is a
highly stylized lion commonly depicted in Burmese iconography and
architecture, especially as a pair of guardians flanking the entrances
of Buddhist pagodas and kyaung (or Buddhist monasteries).
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The leograph of Chinthe appears as an element of Burmese iconography
on many revered objects, including the palin (Burmese royal throne)
and Burmese bells.
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See more at
Chinthe - Wikipedia.
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Western Pavilion with the West Buddha.
Western Pavilion with the West Buddha on the west side of the pagoda.
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Victory column.
Tagundaing refers to an ornamented victory column or flagstaff,
typically 18 to 24 m (60 to 80 feet), found within the grounds of
Burmese Buddhist pagodas and monasteries (kyaungs).
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These ornamented columns were raised within religious compounds to
celebrate the submission of local animistic spirits (nats) to
the Dhamma, the Buddhist doctrine and inspired by the Pillars of
Ashoka.
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A mythical hintha (or more rarely a kinnara) is
generally found perching atop the column, while the base of the column
may be decorated with Thagyamin.
- Vasudhara, the earth goddess, may also be found at the base.
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See more at
Tagundaing - Wikipedia.
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Star flower trees.
Between the rows of stone-inscription stupas grow mature star flower
trees (Mimusops elengi) that emanate a jasmine-like fragrance to
the entire complex.
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Burmese families may be seen having a picnic in the cool shade under
these trees, picking the flowers to make star flower chains for the
Buddha or to wear in their hair, or the children playing hide and seek
among the rows of stupas.
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On the southwest inner terrace is one very old tree believed to be 250
years old, its low spreading boughs propped up by supports.
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See also
Source
Location
