Bupaya Pagoda, Golden Gourd Pagoda: A Sunset Marvel by the River
Bupaya Pagoda, located on Bagan Nyaung U Main Road, in Wetkyi In, Nyaung U Township, Nyaung U District, Mandalay, Myanmar with the postal code 100500
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Introduction
Bupaya Pagoda is located on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, near the freight docks, and is one of the earliest temples in the Bagan region, dating back to the 3rd century. Although it was completely damaged in an earthquake in 1975, it was rebuilt later. Bupaya Pagoda is shaped like a gourd, standing golden on the bank of the Irrawaddy River, and is an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset on the river, making it a popular attraction for tourists.
The construction of Bupaya Pagoda is related to a local myth. According to legend, Thamuddarit, the first king of the Bagan Plain, encountered five monsters, including tigers, flying squirrels, pigs, birds, and a large gourd, all of which had been causing trouble and eating many people. It was not until Prince Pyusawhti (163-243) came to Bagan with a sacred bowl and built a stupa on it that the monsters were defeated. The stupa, which was adorned with gold and enshrined relics, was named Bupaya Pagoda after the shape of the gourd.
Today, Bupaya Pagoda has become a tourist attraction, attracting a large number of visitors. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful sunset scenery of the Irrawaddy River here, and also rent a small boat to go to the center of the river and appreciate the scenery up close. Address Bupaya Pagoda, located on Bagan Nyaung U Main Road, in Wetkyi In, Nyaung U Township, Nyaung U District, Mandalay, Myanmar with the postal code 100500
The building under the pagoda is a reconstruction
