Uppatasanti Pagoda
Uppatasanti Pagoda is a significant Buddhist landmark in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, notable for housing a Buddha tooth relic and serving as a near-identical replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda. Its construction was overseen by Than Shwe, the head of Burma's ruling council, with its name signifying protection against calamity.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began on November 12, 2006, and was completed in March 2009.
- ›It is nearly the same size as the Shwedagon Pagoda, standing 99 meters tall.
- ›The pagoda's name, Uppatasanti, translates to 'protection against calamity'.
- ›It houses a Buddha tooth relic and four jade Buddha images.
- ›Seven captive white elephants are kept on the pagoda grounds.
- ›The consecration ceremony, including the hoisting of the htidaw, took place on March 10, 2009.
Important Relationships
- Shwedagon Pagoda
- Buddha Tooth Relic
- Four Jade Buddha Images
- Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha Image
- 108 Feet High Tagundaing
- Bo Tree Garden With Maha Bo Tree and Images of the 28 Buddhas
- Garden of 108 Bo Trees
- MāLinī MaṅGala Lake
- Seven Captive White Elephants
- Stake-Driving Ceremony On November 12, 2006
- Ferris Wheel Accident During Festival On March 4, 2009
- Consecration Ceremony On March 10, 2009
Burmese
About Uppatasanti Pagoda
Uppatasanti Pagoda, officially known as "Uppātasanti Pagoda" (ဥပ္ပါတသန္တိစေတီတော်မြတ်ကြီး) and also called the "Peace Pagoda," is a significant religious structure located in Naypyidaw, the capital city of Myanmar.
History and Construction
The construction of Uppatasanti Pagoda commenced on November 12, 2006, with a stake-driving ceremony. The project was completed in March 2009, under the guidance of Than Shwe, who was then the head of Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council. The name "Uppātasanti" carries a profound meaning, translating roughly to "protection against calamity." This appellation is linked to a sutta prepared in the early 16th century, intended to be recited during times of crisis, particularly in the face of foreign invasion. The pagoda is designed as a near-identical replica of the renowned Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, standing at an impressive height of 99 meters (325 ft), just 30 centimeters shorter than its Yangon counterpart.
The consecration of the pagoda was a significant event, taking place on March 10, 2009. This ceremony involved the hoisting of the htidaw (sacred umbrella) and the seinbudaw (diamond lotus bud). Tragically, a festival marking the pagoda's consecration was marred by a ferris wheel accident on March 4, 2009, which resulted in the deaths of twenty people.
Structure and Features
The pagoda's base is a massive, man-made structure that can be mistaken for a large hill. Within the pagoda precinct, visitors can find several notable elements:
- Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha Image: Housed in the Maha Pasadabhumi Gandhakuṭi Chamber.
- Jade Buddha Images: Four jade Buddha images are located in the pagoda's hollow cave.
- Tagundaing: A striking flagstaff that stands 108 feet high.
- Bo Tree Garden: This garden features a Maha Bo Tree and images representing the 28 Buddhas.
- Garden of 108 Bo Trees: Another significant garden space.
- Mālinī Maṅgala Lake: Accompanied by the chamber of Shin Upagutta.
- Withongama Ordination Hall (thein)
- Cetiyapala Chamber
- Sangha Yama hostels
- Sasana Maha Beikmandaw Building
- Pagoda museum
- Pitakat Building and Religious Archive
A unique aspect of the pagoda grounds is the presence of seven captive white elephants. These elephants are kept under the care of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation's Forest Department. However, reports indicate that they are housed in conditions described as inhumane, being shackled for much of the day and kept in small open-air pavilions.
Uppatasanti Pagoda serves as a symbol of peace and protection, and its imposing presence makes it a prominent landmark in Myanmar's capital.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Uppatasanti Pagoda?
Uppatasanti Pagoda is a prominent landmark in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, known for its impressive size and its role in housing a Buddha tooth relic. It is officially called the "Peace Pagoda" and is a near-replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
When was Uppatasanti Pagoda built?
Construction of Uppatasanti Pagoda commenced with a stake-driving ceremony on November 12, 2006, and was completed in March 2009. The consecration ceremony took place shortly after, on March 10, 2009.
What does the name Uppatasanti mean?
The name "Uppātasanti" translates to "protection against calamity." This name is derived from a sutta prepared by a monk in the early 16th century, intended for recitation during times of crisis, particularly foreign invasion.
What notable features are found at Uppatasanti Pagoda?
The pagoda precinct includes a Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha Image, four jade Buddha images within a hollow cave, a 108-foot high flagstaff, and various gardens, including a Bo tree garden with a Maha Bo Tree and images of 28 Buddhas. It also features Mālinī Maṅgala Lake and a pagoda museum.
Are there any animals kept at the pagoda?
Yes, seven captive white elephants are kept on the pagoda grounds. These elephants are under the custody of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation's Forest Department.
Related Buddhist Temples
Global Vipassana Pagoda
The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a prominent meditation dome hall located in Mumbai, India, recognized as one of the "Seven Wonders of Maharashtra." It serves as a monument to peace and harmony and was built in gratitude to Vipassana teacher Sayagyi U Ba Khin. The pagoda is designed to share information about Vipassana, the Buddha, and his teachings, and houses the world's largest stone dome without supporting pillars.
Aung Zabu Monastery
Aung Zabu Monastery, also known as Japan Paya, is a Buddhist monastery located in Yegya village, Myanmar. Opened around 2012, it gained attention for its collection of 301 historic Buddha images, though their authenticity is unverified. The monastery draws over 10,000 visitors weekly but has faced criticism for its commercialization and controversial practices.
Kyauktawgyi Buddha Temple (Yangon)
The Kyauktawgyi Buddha Temple in Yangon, Myanmar, is renowned for housing the Loka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni, a colossal 37-foot tall Buddha image carved from a single piece of white marble. This monumental sculpture, weighing approximately 560 tons, was transported from Mandalay to Yangon and consecrated in 2002, making the temple a significant religious site.