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Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan
Monument
315 views
Nyaung-U, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Added on Sun, Nov 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Year Built
c. 1059 CE
Period
Pala Period
Architectural Style
Built By
Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta)
Patronage
King Anawrahta of Bagan Empire
Material Used
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 9, 2025
Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan
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Heritage Overview
Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan
Shwezigon Pagoda, located in Nyaung-U within the Bagan Archaeological Zone, represents one of the most significant Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar, constructed in the 11th century CE during the reign of King Anawrahta and featuring extensive enshrinement of Hindu nats (spirits) alongside Buddha relics, demonstrating the integration of Hindu animistic traditions into Buddhist religious practice that characterized Myanmar’s relationship with the greater Hindu rashtra extending across the Indian subcontinent. The pagoda, constructed primarily from brick with gold leaf covering, features a distinctive bell-shaped stupa design rising to a height of 49 meters, with numerous shrines and pavilions surrounding the main stupa that house both Buddha images and Hindu nat figures, reflecting the syncretic nature of religious practice in ancient Myanmar where Hindu animistic traditions were seamlessly integrated into Buddhist religious contexts. The pagoda’s architectural design demonstrates influence from Indian stupa architecture, particularly the Sanchi and other Indian stupa forms, with the overall plan and decorative elements reflecting traditions that were transmitted to Myanmar through centuries of cultural exchange. The pagoda’s extensive nat shrines provide crucial evidence of the transmission of Hindu animistic traditions from India to Southeast Asia and their integration into Buddhist religious practice. Archaeological evidence indicates the pagoda was constructed with knowledge of Indian religious traditions, reflecting the close cultural connections between Myanmar (Brahma Desha) and the greater Hindu rashtra during the medieval period. The pagoda has undergone multiple restorations and continues to serve as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, attracting devotees who venerate both Buddhist and Hindu nat traditions. Today, Shwezigon Pagoda stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Bagan Archaeological Zone, serving as a powerful symbol of Myanmar’s deep connections to Indian civilization and its historical role as part of the greater Hindu rashtra that extended across the Indian subcontinent and into Southeast Asia through shared religious, cultural, and animistic traditions. ([1][2])
Historical Context
Shwezigon Pagoda was constructed in the 11th century CE during the reign of King Anawrahta, who established the Bagan Empire and maintained strong connections with India. The pagoda was built to enshrine Buddha relics and Hindu nats, demonstrating the close religious connections between Myanmar (Brahma Desha) and the greater Hindu rashtra. The pagoda has undergone multiple restorations. The site was inscribed as part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. ([1][2])
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Shwezigon Pagoda: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Daily.
Entry Fee
Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass: 25,000 MMK for foreign visitors. This pass is valid for 3 days and covers entry to all pagodas and temples within the zone, including Shwezigon Pagoda. Free for Myanmar citizens.
Best Visit Times
During the Shwezigon Pagoda Festival (November/December): Experience vibrant cultural and religious celebrations. November to February: Pleasant, dry weather (20-30°C) ideal for exploring. Early morning (4:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) for cooler temperatures and beautiful sunrise/sunset views.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
Pala Period
Influences
Bagan Stupa Architecture, Indian Stupa Design, Hindu Nat Integration, Indic Religious Syncretism
Heritage Status
UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bagan Archaeological Zone)
Preservation Status
Good; pagoda preserved; UNESCO World Heritage protection; ongoing maintenance. ([1][2])
Conservation Status
Good; preserved; UNESCO protection; ongoing maintenance ensures preservation. ([1][2])
Archaeological Survey
Surveyed By
Myanmar Department of Archaeology, UNESCO
Survey Date
20th century, 2019
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Excavation Details
Archaeological surveys have revealed construction phases and evidence of Hindu nat integration.
Restoration Work
Multiple restorations; gold leaf renewal; structural stabilization; UNESCO inscription protection. ([1][2])
Patronage
King Anawrahta of Bagan Empire
Construction Technique
The construction of Shwezigon Pagoda involved a meticulous, multi-stage process characteristic of 11th-century Indic-influenced masonry. Builders primarily utilized sun-dried and fired bricks, laid with a robust mud or lime mortar. The sheer scale of the structure necessitated organized labor, likely employing temporary timber scaffolding and earthen ramps for vertical access and hoisting materials. Skilled artisans then applied layers of stucco, meticulously carving intricate decorative motifs and iconographic representations. The final, defining stage involved the application of gold leaf, a specialized craft requiring precision and knowledge of adhesion techniques, transforming the pagoda into a radiant monument.
Architectural Influences
Bagan Stupa Architecture, Indian Stupa Design, Hindu Nat Integration, Indic Religious Syncretism
Building Techniques
Shwezigon Pagoda exemplifies a sophisticated blend of Bagan Stupa and Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architectural styles. Its solid brick masonry core, a hallmark of the period, provided immense structural stability, a technique perfected across the Indian subcontinent for monumental religious structures. Elaborate stucco work, often depicting Jataka tales and Hindu nats, served not only as intricate ornamentation but also as a protective layer against the elements. The integration of these diverse iconographic elements within a Buddhist stupa showcases a unique syncretic building tradition, reflecting the close cultural and religious ties with the greater Hindu rashtra.
Coordinates
21.195350, 94.893770
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
5 items
Best Visit Times
During the Shwezigon Pagoda Festival (November/December): Experience vibrant cultural and religious celebrations. November to February: Pleasant, dry weather (20-30°C) ideal for exploring. Early morning (4:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) for cooler temperatures and beautiful sunrise/sunset views.
Seasonal Events
3 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.","Shoes and socks must be removed before entering the pagoda complex, as is customary for all Buddhist sites in Myanmar.","Climbing on any pagodas or temples within the Bagan Archaeological Zone is strictly prohibited for safety and preservation.","Respectful behavior is expected, especially during prayer times and religious ceremonies.","Photography is generally permitted, but visitors should be mindful and respectful of worshippers."]
View Count
315
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-09T09:00:35.680854+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan?
Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan is a historic Monument located in Mandalay, Myanmar. This Bagan Stupa architecture style, Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style, Stupa architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the Pala Period period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Myanmar. Shwezigon Pagoda, located in Nyaung-U within the Bagan Archaeological Zone, represents one of the most significant Buddhist pagodas in Myanmar, constructed in the 11th century CE during the reign of K...
Category:
MonumentLocation:
Nyaung-U, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, MandalayPeriod:
Pala PeriodStyle:
Bagan Stupa architecture style, Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style, Stupa architecture styleArchitectural Features
- 1Traditional Bagan Stupa architecture style, Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style, Stupa architecture style design elements
- 2Intricate stone carvings and sculptures
- 3Symmetrical layout with precise proportions
- 4Integration with natural landscape
Key Features of Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan
- 1Bagan Stupa architecture style, Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style, Stupa architecture style architectural style with distinctive design elements
- 2Constructed using ईंट - Īnt (Brick), स्वर्ण पत्र - Swarna Patra (Gold Leaf), लेप - Lepa (Stucco), बलुआ पत्थर - Baluā Patthar (Sandstone), showcasing traditional building techniques
- 3Built using The construction of Shwezigon Pagoda involved a meticulous, multi-stage process characteristic of 11th-century Indic-influenced masonry. Builders primarily utilized sun-dried and fired bricks, laid with a robust mud or lime mortar. The sheer scale of the structure necessitated organized labor, likely employing temporary timber scaffolding and earthen ramps for vertical access and hoisting materials. Skilled artisans then applied layers of stucco, meticulously carving intricate decorative motifs and iconographic representations. The final, defining stage involved the application of gold leaf, a specialized craft requiring precision and knowledge of adhesion techniques, transforming the pagoda into a radiant monument. construction methods
- 4UNESCO World Heritage Site with global cultural significance
- 5Commissioned by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta), reflecting royal patronage
- 6Current conservation status: Good; preserved; UNESCO protection; ongoing maintenance ensures preservation. ([1][2])
What Makes Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan Special?
- 1Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value
- 2Exceptional example of Bagan Stupa architecture style, Nagara-Bagan Hybrid architecture style, Indic Religious architecture style, Stupa architecture style architecture
- 3Royal patronage by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta), reflecting historical significance
- 4King Anawrahta's vision for Shwezigon Pagoda transcended mere religious construction; it was a foundational act for the nascent Bagan Empire. Commenced around 1059 CE, the pagoda was specifically designed to enshrine a frontal bone relic of the Buddha, purportedly acquired from Sri Lanka, alongside a revered tooth relic. This enshrinement was pivotal in establishing Theravada Buddhism as the state religion, a move strategically supported by the venerable Shin Arahan. Crucially, Anawrahta also sanctioned the placement of the 37 Nats within the pagoda complex, a brilliant syncretic gesture to integrate indigenous animistic beliefs with the newly adopted Buddhist doctrines, thereby fostering religious harmony and political stability across his diverse realm. The pagoda's design itself became a prototype, influencing subsequent stupa architecture throughout Bagan. While King Anawrahta initiated the grand project, it was his successor, King Kyanzittha, who brought Shwezigon to its magnificent completion around 1102 CE. Kyanzittha significantly embellished the structure, adding the distinctive terraced base and possibly the iconic gilded stupa, which established a definitive architectural lineage for future Bagan monuments. The pagoda’s Nagara-Bagan hybrid style, with its tiered structure and bell-shaped dome, distinctly echoed Indic religious architecture, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual exchanges between Brahma Desha and the greater Hindu *rashtra*. This monumental construction not only served as a repository for sacred relics but also as a powerful symbol of the Bagan Empire's spiritual authority and its sophisticated synthesis of indigenous traditions with pan-Indic Buddhist and architectural influences, solidifying its place as a spiritual anchor for the kingdom.
Visitor Information
How to Visit Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan
| KEntry Fee | Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass: 25,000 MMK for foreign visitors. This pass is valid for 3 days and covers entry to all pagodas and temples within the zone, including Shwezigon Pagoda. Free for Myanmar citizens. |
| 🕐Opening Hours | Dawn to Dusk (6 AM - 6 PM) |
| 📅Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter) |
| ⏱️Duration | 2-3 hours |
| ♿Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| 📸Photography | Allowed (No flash) |
Complete Visitor Guide
How to Visit Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan: Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Plan Your Visit
Check opening hours and entry fees for Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan. Book tickets online if available to avoid queues. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon.
- 2
Reach the Location
Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan is located in Nyaung-U, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Mandalay Region, Myanmar, Mandalay. The nearest major city is Nyaung-U. Accessible by road, rail, and air. Use GPS coordinates: 21.19535, 94.89377.
- 3
Entry and Guidelines
Entry fee: Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass: 25,000 MMK for foreign visitors. This pass is valid for 3 days and covers entry to all pagodas and temples within the zone, including Shwezigon Pagoda. Free for Myanmar citizens.. Follow dress code for religious sites. Photography is allowed. Maintain silence and respect the heritage.
- 4
Explore the Site
Allocate 2-3 hours to fully explore Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan. Key areas to visit include the main sanctum, pillared halls, and intricate carvings. Consider hiring a local guide for detailed insights.
Historical Timeline
Key Historical Events
Pala Period
Construction of Shwezigon Pagoda Bagan by Bagan Empire (King Anawrahta)
20th Century
Conservation and restoration efforts initiated under UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bagan Archaeological Zone)
2024-2025
Digital documentation and 3D scanning completed by Inheritage Foundation