Our crazy guide was supposed to drive us to 5 temples. After visiting 10 people, I told him firmly - We're going to the hotel !!! He nodded his head and drove us to the 11th temple. After all, such a pleasant surprise in Burma. The guide did not want any additional payment beyond the agreed amount before the tour. He enjoyed our joy, helped us carry backpacks, and at the end he took pictures for us: D. But to the point - the Pagoda in Mingun.
Mingwan Pagoda or the Great Royal Mingwan Pagoda is located in the town of Mingun on the west bank of the Iriwad River.
It was built in the years 1791-1812, but not completed. In-house manufactured bricks were used for the construction. Ultimately, it was to be the largest pagoda in the world, reaching about 170 meters in height.
On both sides of the road leading to it, two huge (about 29 m high) lions (chinthe) were built.
The earthquake of 1839 that damaged the pagoda also destroyed both lions, of which only the rear parts of the torso remained.
The remains of two giant lions
The pagoda was built on a square plan with a side length of approx. 140 meters. The building was also erected on a square plan with a side of about 73 meters.
In the center of each wall are the entrances to the vaulted halls, which were to be the place of ceremonies and sacrifices. Today, only the eastern room located on the river side is used. Until the construction was interrupted, about 1/3 of the planned height of the building had been erected - the current structure is about 50 meters.
