Botahtaung Pagoda Yangon

Botahtaung Pagoda Yangon

Botahtaung Pagoda Yangon is one of the must-visit place during your holiday in Yangon , Myanmar .Botataung means 1,000 military leaders. This name was derived from an event that took place more than 2,000 years ago when eight hair relics from the Buddha were brought over to Yangon from India. The main stupa is the most unique feature of the Botataung Pagoda. While almost all stupas are solid and closed to the public, this stupa is hollow and people can walk through it. Following a walkway with glass mosaic walls the visitors will see several chambers that contain glass showcases containing ancient artifacts including some very old Buddha images that were discovered in the stupa after it was destroyed in 1943. Above this interesting interior, the golden pagoda spire rises to 40 metres (132 feet).  The relics excavated during the time of repair are enshrined in the visible showcase on the interior corridor walls. Together with the relics are silver. bronze and alabaster images of Buddha in a Pagoda- shaped casket serving as a repository of the sacred Hair and relics

The pagoda was first built by the Mon around the same time as was Shwedagon Pagoda—according to local belief, over 2500 years ago, Botahtaung Pagoda is located on the Botahtaung Pagoda Road . It is situated way downtown beside the Yangon River. The Pagoda overlooked the pleasant water front of the river. It rises on the circular base and especially its umbrella or country at the top of the spire in quite different from the conventional design.

After the renovation works on the pagoda a sign of new Temples and other religious objects are constructed on the precincts of the pagoda. The area of the site is limited because of the river front on one side but the necessary buildings including monasteries can be built in the premises.

Botahtaung Bo Bo Gyi (Nat) is famous like Sule Bo Bo Gyi( Sule Nat) among locals. Worship to Botahtaung Bo Bo Gyi is popular not only in Myanmar but also in Thailand .Thai tourists always come to Botahtaung Pagoda for the worship to Botahtaung Bo Bo Gyi. They also donates and make praying . The Nat pavilion holds an almost life size image of Bo Bo Gyi, who is believed to be the Nat spirit guarding the pagoda. Bo Bo Gyi is depicted as an old man wearing very colorful clothing.

Nat worshipping still plays an important role in present day Burma and has over the course of the centuries merged with Buddhism. The Nat pavilion is located at the end of an intricately decorated bridge crossing a pond. The pond is full of turtles and fish waiting to be fed.

The facts must be obeyed  by visitors in Botahtaung Pagoda

  • Don’t allow to wear short skirts and short pants . Shoulders should be covered and long pants should be worn rather than shorts.
  • Please show respect.
  • Remove your shoes and socks before going to Pagoda’s Platform.
  • Don’t point.
  • Don’t touch monks and nuns .
  • Don’t disturb the praying people and people who make meditation .
  • Please ask to get permission before taking photographs during worship.
  • Turn off mobile phones, remove headphones, lower your voice, avoid inappropriate conversation, remove hats, and no smoking or chewing gum. You are likely entering an actual consecrated area, where locals go to commune with the sacred; any hint of irreverence might cause deep offense.
  • Respect the Buddha Statues and never touch, sit near, or climb on a Buddha statue.

Travel Tips

  • Opening Hours – 6 : 00 am to 8:00 pm  daily
  • Admission Fees – 6000 kyats / per person (For Foreigners)
  • Contact Ph        – 95-9- 971 625813
  • Location – Corner of Strand Road and Botahtaung Pagoda Road, Kanna  Block , Botahtaung Township,Yangon