Myanmar 43 Mingun Hsinbyume Pagoda

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MINGUN
Myanmar
43
Hsinbyume Pagoda
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The beautiful white Hsinbyume or Myatheindan
Pagoda with a distinctive architectural style
modelled after the mythical Mount Meru (Myinmo
taung), built in 1816 by Bodawpaya's grandson and
successor Bagyidaw and dedicated to the memory of
his first consort Princess Hsinbyume (Lady of the
White Elephant, granddaughter of Bodawpaya,
17891812) who died in childbirth. Bodawpaya
(1745 1819) was the sixth king of the Konbaung
Dynasty of Burma. He fathered 62 sons and 58
daughters by about 200 consorts.
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The pagoda's design is a great departure from
Burmese pagoda design norms. It is based on
descriptions of the mythical Sulamani pagoda on
Mount Meru, which is the center of the universe
in Buddhist-Hindu cosmology, and the lower parts
of the pagoda represent the mountain
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Seven concentric terraces represent the seven
mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru
according the Buddhist mythology. The structure
itself is symbolic of Meru, the cosmic mountain,
while the undulating terraces symbolize the Seven
Seas off Buddhist cosmology
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The Myatheindan Pagoda was badly damaged by an
earthquake in 1836 and was restored by King
Mindon in 1874
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On the eastern side a staircase climbs up the
centre of the terraces above which is a fine
vaulted roof. This staircase was reserved for
royalty while on either side are plain steps for
lesser mortals
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Seven terraces with undulating rails -
representing the seven mountain ranges around
Mount Meru - lead up the stupa, and all the way
along are niches in which mythical monsters such
as Nats, ogres and Nagas (mythical serpents)
stand guard
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Hti is the name of the finial ornament that tops
almost all pagodas in Myanmar. Hti is also a
Burmese language word meaning umbrella. The hti
can be said as the main distinctive feature of
Burmese pagodas
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The htis of the pagodas there and elsewhere
around Myanmar are made of metal (usually iron or
steel), coated with gold. The hti is then
decorated with golden or gold-plated brass and
bronze bells, and at jewelry donated by devotees.
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The tip of the hti, which is studded with
precious stones, is called the seinhpudaw (lit.
"esteemed diamond bud"). Hti have been found on
pagodas constructed by all four of the pagoda
building ethnic groups of Myanmar the Mon, the
Bamar (Burmans), the Rakhine (Arakanese) and the
Shan
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The old hti
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Text Internet Pictures Internet Sanda
Foisoreanu All  copyrights  belong to their
 respective owners Presentation Sanda
Foisoreanu
2014
Sound Sein Bo Tint - Burmese
Traditional Orchestra leader