| Shwezigon Pagoda | |
|---|---|
Shwezigon Pagoda |
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| General information | |
| Type | Buddhist pilgrims and missionaries |
| Location | Nyaung-U, Myanmar |
| Coordinates | |
The Shwezigon Pagoda or Shwezigon Paya (Burmese: ရွှေစည်းခုံဘုရား) is a Buddhist temple located in Nyaung-U, a town near Bagan, in Burma (Myanmar). It is a prototype of Burmese stupas, and consists of a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by smaller temples and shrines. Construction of the Shwezigon Pagoda began during the reign of King Anawrahta and was completed in 1102 AD, during the reign of King Kyansittha of the Pagan Dynasty. The pagoda is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. Within the compound of the Shwezigon Pagoda is a stone pillar containing Mon language inscriptions dedicated by King Kyansittha.[1]