Myanmar is a land with a rich cultural heritage and history. One such monumental place that holds so much of the land’s history is Sule Pagoda. Known to be older than the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, this was a historical rallying point during the 1988 uprisings and again during the 2007 Saffron revolution. Here are some fascinating facts that will increase your curiosity even more.
A little bit of history
Although local folklore suggests that the pagoda was built during the time of the legendary Mon King, the documented history only dates back to the 15th century. This pagoda really stood out in Burmese history after it became a rallying point in the second Anglo-Burmese war. Historical accounts say that this was chosen because of how easy it was to spot from afar.
Physical description
The Sule Pagoda is a classic Burmese-style stupa with a tall spire, flaring, flamboyant bottom and a graceful bell-shaped body. The golden dome stands 46m high, towering about the surrounding landscape. The entire pagoda is surrounded by four worship halls and there are many ancillary structures and shops that were built later. Although they’re now a necessary part of the grounds, they do impact the visual aspect.
Location
As mentioned earlier, this is one of the major Yangon attractions located conveniently in the middle of the city. It’s only a 5 min drive from hotels in the area such as the Pan Pacific Yangon. If you like walking, there are plenty of shortcuts that run through the heart of the city; this will take you about 15 min. If you are intrigued by the colourful history of this beautiful land of dragons and golden temples, you will most certainly enjoy a visit to the Sule Pagoda.
