Shwesandaw Pagoda — Attraction in Nyaung-U District

Nearby Dhammayangyi temple, Shinbinthalyaung temple

The Shwesandaw pagoda is one of the taller pagodas in Bagan, an imposing structure visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan with its height of 328 feet. The Shwesandaw was built in 1057 by King Anawrahta, founder of the Bagan Kingdom. Anawrahta wanted to further Buddhism in his empire. To this end he requested Manuha, King of the Mon Kingdom of Thaton, to be given a copy of the Tripitaka, the Buddhist teachings. In 1057, after Manuha’s refusal, Anawrahta invaded Thaton. Upon is return after the successful conquest, he had the Shwesandaw pagoda built to enshrine hair relics of the Buddha, which he had brought back from Thaton. The Shwesandaw is a white painted symmetrical structure consisting of a bell shaped stupa set on a base of five square receding terraces. The stupa is topped with a golden multi tiered hti, an ornamental spire in the shape of a ceremonial umbrella found on many Burmese temples. The hti(Golden Umbrella) is not the original which came down with the 1975 earthquake. The original one is on display next to the pagoda. The corners of the pagoda’s five terraces were adorned with statues of Ganesha, the Hindu God with the elephant head, in Burma known as Maha Peinne. Therefore, the pagoda is locally also known as the Ganesh pagoda or Maha Peinne pagoda. Several Hindu deities like Ganesha were worshipped in Bagan before the arrival of Buddhism.

Unfortunately, those were last photos for that place after that visiting to top of stupa is prohibited for safety reason after...

This 11th century pagoda has five terraces with a cylindrical stupa at the top. It is located within a complex with many more smaller temples that are worth exploring. It has a very steep staircase and was a popular sunrise and sunset spot until 2016, when the goverment banned climbing the pagoda for its preservation. Beautiful pagoda (not as stunning as Shwezigon) but it’s a shame you can’t go up. There’s a sign saying that the pagoda is not safe due to a rainfall.

There are people inside who will try to sell you things as in most places in Bagan (and Myanmar for...

In Bagan, "What a pagoda!" is a difficult proclamation to issue because of the sheer number of impressive structures. After visiting tens of ancient and beautiful temples, it's difficult to determine why one of them stays in your mind more than others. Shwesandaw stayed in mine, maybe because of the building's setback terraces and beautiful brick work. Then again, it may be the reclining Buddha statue in the Shinbinthalyaung Temple, which is next door to Shwesandaw and which has one of the most serene depictions of a Buddha face...