Being home to numerous enchanting attractions with a blow of ancient culture and tradition, Mandalay allures visitors one more time thanks to the existence of Sandamuni Pagoda – the most impressive and largest iron Buddha image.
Erected in 1874, Sandamuni Pagoda is situated to the southeast of Mandalay Hill that is easily accessed in any day trips from Mandalay. It was built on the location of King Mindon’s palace, thereby creating a good view of the hill and surrounding landscape. This Mandalay highlight is highly renowned for its resemblance to the Kuthodaw Pagoda. The pagoda was constructed with a view to commemorate the crown Prince Kanaung who was assassinated by two of King Mindon’s sons.
Sandamuni Pagoda Highlights
- Golden pagoda: The golden chedi is the most ancient structure on the grounds. It was constructed in 1874 under the instruction of King Mindon who order to build it on the site of his temporary Palace. Located on a base of three tiers, the top lies an ornamental spire.
- Sandamuni is world-known for 1774 shrines with a huge collection of marble slabs. Explore the pagoda, you can easily encounter numerous shrines housing a marble slab engraved with famous Buddha’s teaching standard, including Abhidhamma Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Sutta Pitaka, not to mention commentaries. Measuring 1.68 meters tall and 1.07 meter wide, each slab is associated with white shrine which is attached with an ornamental spire, known as hti.
- Sandamani Buddha image: As previously mentioned, the pagoda is home to Burma’s largest iron Buddha image which was cast in 1802 by King of the Konbaung dynasty named Bodawpaya. The Iron Buddha Sandamani cast was originally constructed with nearly 41,000 pounds of iron and now enveloped with a layer of gold.
Sandamuni Pagoda Travel tips
- How to get there: As its location on the Mandalay Hill foot, so head to North East of the Royal Palace and take a several-minute walk from the Kuthodaw Pagoda
- The pagoda is opened between 8 am and 8 pm, so plan your time properly to visit the destination.
