Introduction
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an unfinished monument located in the town of Mingun in Upper Myanmar. It is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in the country. Constructed in the early 1800s by the orders of King Bodawpaya, the monument was intended to be the world’s largest pagoda. Although construction was abandoned in 1819, the monument remains the largest pile of bricks in the world. It stands as a testament to the grand ambitions of the Burmese Monarchy of the past.
History
The monument was commissioned by King Bodawpaya in 1790, a ruler of the Konbaung Dynasty, which was the last dynasty to rule Myanmar. Under the orders of the King, a team of thousands of workers began construction on the massive pagoda. The monument was intended to be a grand symbol of the King’s power and to commemorate his many accomplishments.
Unfortunately, the project was abandoned in 1819 due to financial and political issues. The monument was left unfinished, with only the foundations and the base completed. It is still possible to see the remains of the unfinished structure, including the huge piles of bricks and the enormous foundations.
Architecture
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an impressive structure, even in its unfinished state. It was designed in the traditional Burmese style, with a tall, tapered base and a large platform for the main structure. The monument was intended to be 150 meters high, with a base circumference of 500 meters. The foundations are still visible today, and the base of the monument is still the largest pile of bricks in the world.
The site is surrounded by a number of smaller structures, including a bell tower and a number of stupas. The bell tower, also known as Mingun Bell, is the largest ringing bell in the world, weighing in at 90 tons. The bell was cast in 1808 and is still housed in the bell tower today.
Visiting Mingun Pahtodawgyi
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a popular tourist destination, and one of the most visited sites in Myanmar. The monument is located just outside the town of Mingun, on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The site is easily accessible by boat from the nearby city of Mandalay.
The monument is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free for local visitors, but foreign visitors are required to pay an entry fee. Visitors have the chance to explore the monument grounds, as well as the bell tower and stupas.
Conclusion
Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an important cultural and historical monument in Myanmar. Its unfinished state is a reminder of the grand ambitions of the Burmese Monarchy. The site is open to visitors, who can explore the grounds and enjoy the impressive view of the Irrawaddy River. Mingun Pahtodawgyi is a must-see for anyone visiting the country.