THE MANDALAY HILL
A BRIEF HISTORY
The legend has it that during one of his visits to the place now Myanmar, the Buddha with his disciple Ananda stopped by Mandalay Hill and prophesied that a great city would be founded below the hill and also pointed the place of that future city.
Then a huge standing Buddha image was built at the place on the hill where Buddha stood, with his hand pointing to the Royal Palace of Mandalay.
SPECIFICS
Mandalay Hill is the biggest landmark of Mandalay and has been a major pilgrimage site. Mandalay Hill is of height 776 ft (230 m) above sea-level and 576 ft from the foot of the hill. It is located to the northeast of the city center of Mandalay. The city actually took its name from the hill. At the top of the hill is the Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling) Pagoda, which is said to be built by the Great King Anawratha of Bagan Dynasty in 414 Myanmar Era, AD 1052. This “wish-granting” pagoda was renovated by its patrons, the Kon Baung kings, in later years. Perhaps the most recognized icon of the renovators of the religious structures on Mandalay Hill was U Khan Dee, the famous and legendary “Hermit on the Hill”, who spent 41 years of his life on the hill raising funds for many structures, including Sutaungpyai, where he spent many years.
A panoramic view of Mandalay from the top of Mandalay Hill alone makes it worthwhile to attempt a climb up its stairways: especially in the sunset. There are four covered stairways leading up the hill from the south, southeast, west and north, and convenient seats of masonry work line these stairways all the way up. There is a saying that if you want to live long, you take refuge in the environs of Mandalay Hill. It means that as climbing to the Mandalay hill on foot is good for health. 1,729 steps of the covered southern stairway.
Just half a decade ago this hill had to be climbed on foot up. At present, the construction of motor-car road to reach hill-top is completed so a drive-up access can be made easily. The one-way motor road uphill leads to an escalator and a lift to the pagoda at the summit. It saves time and also makes it accessible for those who are unable to climb up the stairs.
Remark: Long Live Mandalay… This post is the fifth dedication post to the 150th Birthday Anniversary of Mandalay.
Gazing at Mandalay Hill from Southern Moat of Golden Palace…
My another favorite shot from Mandalay Trip…
Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling) Pagoda, built by King Anawratha in 414 Myanmar Era…
Buddha Image on the Mandalay Hill top…
A panoramic bird-eye view of Mandalay city from Mandalay Hill…
Local religious accessories shops along the hallway (Zaung Tann in Burmese)… retouched in Vintage tone…
great pictures.. love to visit there again..