Yangon

Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the capital city, is the main gateway of Myanmar and lies in the fertile delta country of Southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River about 30 km from the sea. A tiny village for hundreds of years, Yangon became a major city only when the British decided to establish its colonial era capital here in 1885. The city flourished during the colonial era and became the business, commercial and vacation center for all of South East Asia. Thousands of buildings survive from colonial times, giving the city a glorious architectural heritage. The heritage is in various stages of preservation, ranging from moldering tenements with plants sprouting from walls and niches, to beautifully preserved architectural gems that house new business offices, tourist guest houses, and up-market residences. Lovely public buildings such as the Supreme Court, the ministerial center, and the former railways ministry are crown jewels of the bygone colonial era. Hundreds of other historical building line the streets and give Yangon perhaps the greatest collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in South East Asia. Added to these the priceless treasures are many surviving wooden mansions and monasteries of Myanmar architecture; the city has become a treasure trove of historical landmarks.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

One time, 2,500 years ago, this area was known as OKKALA. According to the hoary legend, two merchant brothers from OKKALA went to India on a trading venture. They met the Lord Buddha under the sacred Bo tree and offered Him honey cakes and pan cakes. Having partaken of the cakes presented by them the Lord Buddha bestowed on them eights sacred hairs from His head. Arriving at OKKALA they were greeted by King OKKALAPA who held a great festival in honor of the sacred relics. With the help of a number of spirit ( nats), the brothers and the King of OKKALA discovered a site on the Singuttra Hill outside the gates of OKKALA city was selected to lay the foundation of a pagoda for enshrining the relics. On excavation of the site, relics of the three preceding Buddhas, namely the staff, the water-dipper and the bathing robe were recovered. These were enshrined again with the sacred hairs brought by the two merchant brothers. Over the relic chamber was erected a golden pagoda enclosed in a silver one which in turn was enclosed by a series of tin, copper, lead, marble and iron pagodas. Finally a brick pagoda was built to encase the whole series of smaller pagodas. At that time, the pagoda (Shwedagon) was about 20 meter high.

In 11th century, the name of the city was changed and called as Dagon city. We took the name from the great Golden Pagoda ‘ Shwedagon ’. In 1755 AD, the King Alaungphaya (founder of the Last Myanmar Empire) conquered the lower part of Myanmar and built a new city on the site of Yangon, which at that time was known as ‘ Dagon ’. The King considered that this area has no more war, no more fighting and peaceful land. So, he changed the name as Yangon means ‘ Ending of the Enemies ’. In 1756 AD, with the destruction of Thanlyin (Syriam) across the river, Yangon also become an important sea port,

In 1841 AD, the city was virtually destroyed by fire; the rebuilt town again suffered extensive damage during the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852 AD. After British Annexation, they anglicized as Rangoon. Replanned and rebuilt by Dr. William Montgomery (Superintendent surgeon) and implemented by Lieutenant A. Fraser (Bengal Engineer). They created typical English town by renaming streets and places after their heroes and historic figures.

In 1990 AD, measures were taken for the correct use of Myanmar expressions in English. City’s name, town’s name were changed into Myanmar with Myanmar pronunciation and the city becomes Yangon. Starting in the early (1990s), the government (the State Law and Order Restoration Council) began sprucing up the city’s appearance by cleaning the streets and painting many public buildings.

Downtown Yangon is a relatively simple area to find your way around and pleasant enough to explore on foot. The main downtown streets are laid out in a grid system, with the minor north-south streets numbered in the North American fashion.

The population of Yangon at present is approximately over 5 millions. The total area of Yangon is 3927 sq-miles and smallest than the other Divisions in size.

Places of Interest in Yangon Areas

SHWEDAGON PAGODA

The Shwedagon is the essence of Myanmar and a place that never fails to enchant. One of the world’s greatest religious monuments, the Shwedagon is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in the country, one which all Burmese hope to visit at least once in the country, one which all Burmese hope to visit at least once in their lifetime. “Shwe” means gold and “Dagon” is a former name of Yangon. Hence, Shwedagon means the golden pagoda at the city of Dagon, which is Yangon. It is situated on the Singuttra Hill, which is the highest point of Yangon (53 m above the sea level) and the Shwedagon pagoda is 100 m (326 feet) high. It is generally accepted that it was founded during the lifetime of Gautama Buddha, the last Buddha. For all the Buddhist countries, we consider that, this is the holiest. Because the four Buddha’s relics of the four preceding Buddhas were enshrined in this pagoda.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

According to the hoary legend, two merchant brothers from OKKALA went to India on a trading venture. They met the Lord Buddha under the sacred Bo tree and offered Him honey cakes and pan cakes. The Lord Buddha preached them the Dhamma (His Law). After the two brothers had imbibed his preaching, they asked the Lord Buddha to give them something which they might worship as the Lord Buddha’s self. The Lord Buddha stroked his Head and got eight Hairs and gave them to the brothers, who received them with reverence. After paying respects to the Lord Buddha, they returned home. When they reached the seaport of their homeland, the King came out in state to welcome and worship he sacred Hairs. Then the King sent out a search party to find Singuttra Hill, where the Lord Buddha bade the brothers to enshrine the Hairs. No human could locate Singuttra Hill. So, Sakka (the King of the extraterrestrial Kingdom) showed the Hill to the brothers. When the spot was excavated, three possessions of the three preceding Buddhas were found in a cave. In this cave were ceremonially enshrined the staff, the water-dipper, the bathing robe and the eight Hairs. A golden pagoda was erected on the cave. A silver pagoda enclosed it. Then a tin pagoda enshrined it. A copper pagoda swallowed the tin pagoda and the lead pagoda enclosed the copper pagoda. A marble pagoda was built on the lead pagoda, which was superimposed by an iron pagoda. Finally a brick pagoda was built to encase the whole series of smaller pagodas. At that time, the pagoda (Shwedagon) was about 20 meter high.

The Shwedagon pagoda today is 326 feet high, which a square plinth the perimeter of which being 1,420 feet. The base is surrounded by 64 small pagodas with four larger ones in the center of each side. Above the base are three terraces receding in successive planes and having seven angular projections between the main sides facing the cardinal points. Next rises the bell-shaped superstructure followed by the dome in the form of an inverted bowl. Then come the multiple mouldings, two bands of ornamental lotus divided by a ring of spherical bosses and the spire shaped like a plantain bud. The latter is surmounted by the umbrella, an insignia of great sanctity, gilded and covered with precious stones. The pinnacle of the umbrella is made up of a bejeweled vane and the crowning diamond bud.

The platform on which the pagoda stands is reached by four long flights of steps, the entrance to the southern approach being guarded by two huge lions 30 feet high. On the 5.6 hatter wide platform are several shrines and prayer halls some of which are decorated with vary fine wood carvings and mosaic work. Two huge bells were dedicated and placed in prominent pavilions. One weighing about 42 tons was donated by King Tharrawaddy in 1841 AD and the other weighing about 24 tons was donated by King Singu in 1778 AD.

Visiting the Shwedagon is far more than just wandering around and looking at the shrines, pavilions, images, bells and stupas. It’s a place you feel as much as see. There’s a quite amazing atmosphere here sometimes serene, sometimes exciting, but always enjoyable. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for a visit.

SULE PAGODA

Sule Pagoda in the rarely seen octagonal shape is one of the prettiest pagodas in the country. Like the hub of the Dhamma Wheel (teaching of the Lord Buddha), the pagoda is situated in the downtown Yangon. The Sule Pagoda is also believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Its sanctity is due to the sacred hair relic enshrined therein. Two Buddhist missionaries, Sona and Uttra, brought over from India ten hairs relics and other sacred relics to Thaton (Suvannabhumi). They presented one hair relic to Maha Sure, a minister at Dagon ( Yangon). The pagoda built by him was named Kyaik Athok in Mon and was also know as Sura Ceti in Burmese. The name Sule was derived from two words Sura and Ceti. “ Sura ” means small and “ Ceti ” means pagoda – a small pagoda in contradistinction to the great pagoda which is Shwedagon. In course of time Sura Ceti gradually corrupted to sound “ Sule ”.
Its architectural design proves it to be a Mon style Ceti, as it is octagonal in shape, each side measuring 24 feet and the height is 144 feet and 9 inches.

BOTATAUNG PAGODA

This pagoda is situated by the side of the Yangon River, in East Yangon. The original structure of the Botataung also goes back to over 2,000 years. The Botataung is said to be the First Sacred Hair Relic Pagoda, enshrining the sacred Hair received by the elder merchant brother.
“ Bo ” means leader (usually in a military sense) and “ tataung ” is 1,000- the Botataung Pagoda was named after the 1,000 army officers who escorted Relics of the Lord Buddha brought from India over 2,000 years ago. According to the hoary legend, when the two merchant brothers brought Sacred Hairs of the Lord Buddha, The King OKKALA came out to the shore with a thousand of his army officers to meet and worship the Sacred Hairs of the Lord Buddha. On the site where he and his army officers awaited the arrial of the Sacred Hairs Relics was built a Pagoda.
The Pagoda is the object of veneration. Myanmar Kings visited it to pay homage to it and to do works of merit there. This ancient monument was completely destroyed during World War II. It stood close to the Yangon wharves, and during an Allied air raid on 8th November 1943, a bomb scored a direct hit on the unfortunate Pagoda. One Sacred Hair and some relics were discovered in the stone casket buried in the depth of a pit in the centre of the base. The Pagoda was rebuilt on an octagonal design. The Pagoda is hollow type, inside it are eight triangle shaped rooms in which relics and dedicated objects of various kinds are exhibited in the glassed cases protected by iron bars.
The Pagoda is 132 feet 7 inches high and 376 feet in circumference of its base. To the western side of the stupa is a hall containing a large gilded bronze Buddha cast during the reign of King Mindon ( Mandalay). At the time of the British annexation it was kept in King Thibaw’s glass palace, but after King Thibaw was exiled to India, The British shipped the image to London. In 1951, the image was returned to Myanmar and placed in the Botataung Pagoda.

KABA AYE PAGODA

“ Kaba Aye ” means World Peace. The World Peace pagoda was built in 1950 for the 1954-1956 Sixth Buddhist Synod. It stands about 11 km north of downtown. The 34 meter high stupa also measures 34 meters around its base .This pagoda was built with a wish to maintain peace through out the world. Many sacred relics and religious objects were enshrined in it. The interior of the monument is hollow and inside are some nice Buddhist sculptures, including four-sided Buddha image sculpture.
In the neighborhood of the pagoda are the colossal man-made Stone Cave called “ Maha Pasana Grotto ” in which the Buddhist Synod was held, Buddhist Art Museum and Library, Hostels for the monks, Ordination Hall and rest houses. On the 8th May 1954, the construction of the Stone Cave was completed. The big Stone Cave measures 455 feet in external length and 370 feet in external breadth, 220feet in internal length and 140 feet in internal breadth.

CHAUKHTATKYI PAGODA

Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda is the image of The Lord Buddha in reclining position. It was built with brick and cement. The couch is 230 feet in length, 50 feet in breadth and 5 feet in height. The Image is 216 feet long and 58 feet high.
This image is the replacement of the original one which was built in 1907 by a wealthy merchant named Sir Pho Thar. The original image measured 235 feet in length and 100 feet in height, reclining on a couch of 197 feet long, 40 feet wide and 5 feet high.
As the original image fell into ruin, the present image was constructed in 1966. the original image had no shelter, and it lay in the open for all to see it from a distance. The new image is housed in an iron structure of 280 feet long, 90 feet wide and 65 feet in high.

KHENG HOCK KEONG (CHINESE TEMPLE)

Kheng Hock Keong is the largest Chinese temple in Yangon. Supported by a Hokkien association, the 100 years old temple is most lively from around 6 to 9 am, when it’s thronged with worshippers offering candles, flowers and incense to the Buddhist and Taoists alters within.

MOSEAH YESHUA SYNAGOGUE

The Moseah Yeshua Synagogue was founded over a hundred years ago by Sephardic Jews.

HINDU TEMPLES

Several Hindu temples can be found in the downtown section of the city, including Sri Sri Siva Krishna, Sri Kali and Sri Devi.

NATIONAL MUSEUM

The 5-storey National Museum was opened on September 18, 1996 to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the State Law and Order Restoration Council at a cost of 400 million kyats.
Displays includes showrooms featuring the Thihathana Throne, the Yadanabon Period, epigraphy and calligraphy, the Myanmar prehistoric period, natural history, royal regalia, Myanmar history, Myanmar performing arts, Myanmar traditional folk art, Myanmar ancient ornaments, national races culture, and Buddha images. The museum also features two art galleries showing Myanmar work.
The National Museum is located on Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon.

YANGON ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

Located in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, Yangon Zoological Garden is almost 100 years old now as it was established in 1906, the earliest of its kind in Myanmar. With the coverage area of 69.25 acres, it is situated in close proximity to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake, Aquarium, Karaweik Palace and Yangon Railway Station. The Zoological Garden was established with the intention of providing relaxation to the public, helping provide extracurricular studies to students and general knowledge to enthusiasts in the fields of Zoology and Botany, educating and persuading the general public in the protection of wildlife, and propagating and conducting research on the perpetuation of rare species of wild animals and birds.

HLAWGA WILDLIFE PARK

This park was founded in 1982 at Mingaladon Township in Yangon Division, just 22 miles from downtown Yangon. Tigers, leopards, bears and other carnivorous animals are housed in the 62 acre park and in the mini zoo. Sambhur deer, barking deer, and hog deer freely graze in the 818 acres of natural forest. Attractions include elephant rides and shows, and 165 species of birds and plus 25 species of migratory birds also inhabit the park. Facilities include an environmental education centre, an information centre, a guide map, ample car parking, open decks and scenic picnic sites.

Around Yangon

HTAUK-KYANT WORLD WAR II ALLIED MEMORIAL CEMETERY

Where there are 27 000 stone graves of Allied soldiers died in the Myanmar Campaign during period 1939-45.

THANLYIN (SYRIAM) AND KYAUKTAN

Thanlyin was the base during the late 1500 and early 1600 for the notorious Portuguese adventurer Philip De Brito. Officially a trade representative for the Rakhine, he actually ran his own little kingdom from Thanlyin, siding with the Mon (when it suited him) in their struggle against the Burmese. In 1599 his private army sacked Bago, but in 1613 the Burmese besieged Thanlyin and De Brito received the punishment reserved for those who defiled Buddhist shrines-death by impalement. It took him two days to die, due, it is said, to his failure to take the recommended posture where the stake would have penetrated vital organs. Thanlyin continued as a major port and trading centre until it was destroyed by Alaungpaya (the founder of Last Myanmar Empire) in 1756, after which Yangon took over this role.
Among the old monuments which still stand in Thanlyin, which is now easily reached in half an hour from Yangon by car across the Thanlyin Bridge (270m long, constructed by Chinese Engineers), is an old Roman Catholic church in ruins on a hillock locally called Shin Mwe Lun Kon. Because the Portuguese had controlled Thanlyin for 13 years (AD 1600-1613) the church is mistakenly throught to be an old Portuguese church. But the two inscriptions sheltered in a small brick house inside the church give us its history. One is a tombstone with inscriptions in Latin and Myanmar. The Latin says, “ Here lies Maria Dias, aged 48, mother of Antonio Fernandez, expired in March 1732. R.I.P ”