the second capital nowadays, is 680Km North of Yangon. It was the last Capital of Burmese Monarchy, and it is the center of Arts and Crafts such as Gold Leaf making, Stone Carving, Wood Carving and Bronze casting. It is also the center of International Buddhist Learning Center for the wealth of Buddhist Monasteries and Nunneries.
The pagoda is also known as Rakhieng Pagoda. It was originally constructed in 1784 and was destroyed by fire and rebuilt a century later. Inside the pagoda, there is a golden Maha Muni Buddha image. It is considered the most revered Buddha image.
Located at the northeastern side of the palace, Mandalay Hill is approximately 230 meters above the surrounding countryside. It is believed that to have good health and longevity, one must conquer the hill by foot. On top of the hill, there is a Su Taung Pyi Pagoda. It is also a good spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
The pagoda is associated with two great kings, Anawrahta and Kyanzitta for their support of the Buddhist religion. The pagoda was built to house the holy relics which were given as gifts by King of Ceylon (now Sri Lannka).
Rests at the base of Mandalay Hill, the Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda is about 30 meters in height. It was built in 1857 and houses marble tablets with Bali scriptures. The tablets are also known as the world’s largest book and took 2,400 monks nearly 6 months to record the text.
Famous for its gold plated structure and intricate woodcarvings, the monastery was once part of a palace during the reign of King Mindon. Today, traces of gold could only be found on the imposing ceiling.
The construction of this pagoda was completed in 1878. The pagoda’s main attraction is an enormous Buddha figure carved from a block of marble. And it actually took 10,000 men to transport the boulder to the pagoda site.
