We visited another pagoda, this one
situated close to Yangon River and a marketplace. It isn't as tall nor as grand
as Shwedagon, but it has its charm & uniqueness. Remember the 8 strands of
hair the Buddha gave the two brothers from Myanmar? One of the strands is
enshrined at the innermost chamber of this pagoda.
Like Shwedagon, the pagoda is covered in
golden leaves & plates and has the same basic structure. Unlike Shwedagon,
however, you can go inside this pagoda. (Shwedagon is a solid monument.) You'll
see the reliquary - made of gold (of course!) and glass - that contains the
Buddha's hair. Then you'll pass through 10 or so chambers, clockwise, before
you could get out. The walls and ceilings are all covered with gold, carved
with the most intricate of designs. You will find people on their knees
meditating and hundreds of images of the Buddha in gold & silver, some of
which are studded with gems.
I visited Stockholm, Sweden, in 2000, and I
went to the Viking Museum. They have a room called the Viking's Hoard. In the
middle of this room is a pile of treasures - crowns, rings, necklaces,
bracelets, plates, cups, knives, swords, belts, etc. - all made of gold. I
thought I'd never see as much gold anywhere. Well, well, well. The Viking Hoard
has nothing on this pagoda!
