With the unique location which is at the junction of Sule Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road, in the center of Yangon, Sule Pagoda has become one of the main tourist attractions in Yangon. The pagoda is located right in the center of the city, adjacent historical, cultural sites, and known as an important political and religious focal point.
Sule Pagoda owns a typical pagoda architecture, can be seen in some Asia countries: Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. The Pagoda is 48 meter in height with an octagonal bell shape, surrounded by small temples, bronze bells and a good collection of Buddha images are things you cannot miss in Myanmar trips.
History of Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda was over 2500 years old, one of the oldest pagodas in Myanmar. It was used as the center of grid town by British. In the 1880s, the pagoda was rebuilt.
According to Burmese legend, Sule pagoda located in a powerful nat’s home whose name was Sularata, coincide with the place that the three Buddhas had ever buried sacred relics at this place million years ago. Unfortunately, no one knew the exactly where they are except the Sule Nat, therefore, people gathered around him and asked the location of those relics. After that, people decided to use his name to call this pagoda.
It is considered to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. “Sule” means meeting in Myanmar language. It is said that Sule Pagoda was the place which King Ukkalapa held meetings to plan the construction of Shwedagon. After that, many people agreed to keep Sule Pagoda as the center of Yangon due to its strategic location.
It is surrounded by many small shops and non-religious services such as astrologists, palmists.
It is surrounded by many small shops and non-religious services such as astrologists, palmists.
The Construction of Sule Pagoda
Sule Pagoda owns a typical pagoda architecture, can be seen in some Asia countries: Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. The Pagoda is famous for octagonal bell shape which is similar to the Mon (a Myanmar’s ethnic group) style chedi. In more detailed, it’s including nearly 79-meter length and 44-meter height. In fact, the bronze bells have some different size and age which belongs to the time people donated them. People can remember their đeicated by recording their names and dates of the dedication.
Sule Pagoda Travel Tips
Opening Hours 4.00-22.00 daily
Admission Fees - US$2-5 per person
Location At the junction of Sule Pagoda Road and Mahabandoola Road, Central Yangon
Sule Pagoda & Nearby Attractions
Roaming around Sule Pagoda in a Yangon tour to immerse in the simple life and religious merit of Burmese, also gain a deeper insight into other places such as the magnificent Independence Pillar in the Maha Bandoola Park or the Immanuel Church. Marvel at the colonial style of High Court Buildings or the City Hall of Myanmar.