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Burma is one of the most overwhelmingly (about 90%) Buddhist countries in the world. And for the Burmese Buddhist there is no more important pilgrimage site (domestically, anyway) than Shwedagon Paya ("paya" meaning, roughly, "pagoda" in Burmese). Sitting like a giant golden Hershey kiss on the highest point in Yangon, Shwedagon looks over everything, and everything looks up to Shwedagon. It greets the first rays of sunlight in the early morning and puts the sun to sleep at night. Even at night it remains illuminated by flood lamp, when it shimmers in stark brilliant contrast to the inky Burmese night sky. It outshines the moon.

There are four entrances to Shwedagon pagoda that lead up a flight of covered steps to the platform on Singuttara HillFour covered walkways lead up to the pagoda from the plains surrounding the hills

Southern Entrance Eastern side

Four covered walkways lead up to the pagoda from the plains surrounding the hills

marquetry in stone

Chinese Merited Association Tazaung displays 28 Buddha images that represent all Buddhas who have lived since the creation of time.

Jade BuddhaBuddha statue, from a single block of jade with ruby circlet, surrounded by kyats.

North to the Rakhine Tazaung is an 8.5 meters reclining Buddha. Buddha's head is pointing to the north, indicating he is in the state of nibbana (nirvana).

Ma Kyee Kyee's Hall

Ma Kyee Kyee's Hall

Ma Kyee Kyee's Hall

near the north east corner of the main stupa is the replica of the hti originally donated in 1774 by King Tharyarwaddy, and replica of the apex of the pagoda, donated by King Mindon in 1871.

Replica of the apex of the pagoda, donated by King Mindon in 1871.

Upstairs the replica of the hti originally donated in 1774 by King Tharyarwaddy, and replica of the apex of the pagoda, donated by King Mindon in 1871.

Just at the back of the replica of hti originally donated in 1774 by King Tharyarwaddy is the Bo Bo Aung Shrine.

the Bo Bo Aung Shrine.

Temple bell

In the open area to the north west of the main stupa is a small octagonal pagoda. This is the Pagoda of the Eight Weekdays.

Despite reforms in the recent years, Myanmar is still a relatively closed country and has an underdeveloped tourism sector.

Four covered walkways lead up to the pagoda from the plains surrounding the hills.

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu & InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound Sein Bo Tint Burmese Traditional Orchestra leader