Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, Mandalay

Name: Kaunghmudaw Pagoda
Address: Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)

#16 among attractions in Mandalay

Top attraction, Historical place, Temple

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Facts and practical information

The Kaunghmudaw Pagoda stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and spiritual heritage of Mandalay, Myanmar. This striking dome-shaped stupa, also known as the Rajamuni Pagoda, dominates the skyline with its golden silhouette and is revered as a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. Erected in the early 17th century during the reign of King Thalun, the pagoda was built to commemorate the re-establishment of Inwa as the royal capital.

The design of the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda is unique in Myanmar, inspired by the Mahaceti Pagoda in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The structure's distinctive egg-shaped dome rises to a height of 46 meters and is surrounded by 812 stone pillars, each featuring inscriptions that are invaluable to the study of Burmese history and Buddhism. The base of the pagoda is circled by a series of terraces leading to the top, which is capped with a bejeweled hti (umbrella or crown), symbolizing the pinnacle of the Buddhist path to enlightenment.

Visitors to the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda are greeted by a tranquil atmosphere ideal for meditation and reflection. The inner sanctum houses a revered Buddha image, and the walls are adorned with intricate carvings and murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales, stories of the Buddha's past lives. The pagoda is also known for its annual festival, which occurs during the Burmese month of Thadingyut, drawing throngs of devotees who partake in religious ceremonies and cultural festivities.

Local name: ကောင်းမှုတော်ဘုရားCompleted: 1648 (376 years ago)Coordinates: 21°55'59"N, 95°56'17"E

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Mandalay Myanmar (Burma)

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Day trips

Kaunghmudaw Pagoda – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Umin Thonze Pagoda, Kyauksein Pagoda, Irrawaddy Bridge, Ma Shi Khana Pagoda.

3.7 miSE
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Umin Thonze Pagoda
94 min walk • The Umin Thonze Pagoda stands as a testament to the spiritual devotion and architectural ingenuity of Myanmar (Burma). This exquisite Buddhist temple, nestled in the Sagaing Hills, is a site of serenity and cultural significance.
7.4 miSE
Pagoda
Kyauksein Pagoda, Mandalay
189 min walk • Nestled in the cultural heartland of Myanmar, the Kyauksein Pagoda is a remarkable gem located in the city of Mandalay. Renowned for its stunning architecture and religious significance, this pagoda is a marvel of contemporary Buddhist design.
5.3 miSE
Bridge
Irrawaddy Bridge, Mandalay
135 min walk • The Irrawaddy Bridge is a bridge in Mandalay, Myanmar. It crosses the Irrawaddy River, to the southwest of Mandalay and Amarapura and just to the north of the old Ava Bridge, and is also known as the New Ava Bridge. It was completed in 2008.
4.4 miSE
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Ma Shi Khana Pagoda
111 min walk • Ma Shi Khana Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in Sagaing, Myanmar. According to tradition, the pagoda was founded by Nga Tet Pya, a Robin Hood-like character, during the reign of the King Thado Minbya.
5 miSE
Temple, Buddhist architecture
Htupayon Pagoda
128 min walk • The Htupayon Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located in Sagaing, Myanmar. The pagoda has experienced several earthquakes since its foundation in 1444, and undergone at least three major reconstructions. The current structure was completed in 2016.
4.6 miSE
City, Area
Sagaing, Mandalay
119 min walk • Sagaing is the former capital of the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. It is located in the Irrawaddy River, 20 km to the south-west of Mandalay on the opposite bank of the river.
5.5 miSE
Bridge
Ava Bridge, Mandalay
141 min walk • The Ava Bridge is a 16 span simply supported bridge between Ava and Sagaing, Mandalay Division, Burma. It was built by the British in 1934.
4.1 miSE
Pagoda, Buddhist architecture
Sun U Ponnyashin Pagoda
105 min walk • Sun U Ponnya Shin is a Buddhist pagoda located in Sagaing, Myanmar. The pagoda was purportedly founded in 1312 by Ponnya, a junior minister at the court of King Thihathu of Myinsaing–Pinya. The pagoda is located at the top of the second highest mountain in Sagaing, called Ponnya Shin Hill.
4.2 miSE
Temple
Yadana Zedi Sinmya Shin Pagoda, Mandalay
107 min walk • Yadana Zedi Sinmya Shin Pagoda is a relic pagoda built by King Mohnyin Thado of Ava in 1431 in Sagaing, Myanmar.
3.7 miSE
Universities and schools, Buddhist architecture
Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Mandalay
96 min walk • The Sitagu International Buddhist Academy is a Buddhist missionary university, located in Sagaing, Myanmar. Founded in 1994 by Sitagu Sayadaw Ashin Nyanissara, the academy specializes in the teaching of Buddhist literature, as well as in the training of monks and nuns.
6 miSE
City, Memorial
Inwa, Mandalay
153 min walk • Inwa, located in Mandalay Region, Myanmar, is an ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Throughout history, it was sacked and rebuilt numerous times. The capital city was finally abandoned after it was destroyed by a series of major earthquakes in March 1839.