Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Structures on the north

Victory Ground, Shwedagon Pagoda

Just in front of this great hall is the famous Victory Ground (24). This is one of the most sacred places in Shwedagon. The place is always packed with people who pray and wish for the success, of any kind. Traditionally, this is the ground where kings, princes, generals and solders of ancient Hansawaddi Mon kingdom come and pray for success before they leave for war. In recent years, this place is associated with student political movements as student activists usually use this ground for launching their anti government activities. Not surprisingly, this place is one of the most closely watched places in Shwedagon.

Just in front of this Victory Ground is the Eleven Shrine Cluster (25). This is a cluster of eleven shrines with a standing Buddha in the middle at the top of the cluster. Behind the Victory Ground is another hall named Chan Mah Phee’s Hall (26). It was built in 1898 and bears the Chinese name “Fucigong”, which means “Temple of Blessing and Compassion”. Although it bears the Chinese name, the architecture is definitely Myanmar. It has seven-tire roof, which are decorated with beautiful and detailed carvings featuring kings, ministers, royal pages and nats (spirits). Screen carvings in this Tazaung are also very well done and depict the life of Gautama Buddha.

Just east of Chan Mah Phee’s Hall is the Buddha’s Footprint Hall (27). Inside the hall, there is a crowned Buddha image with a Buddha’s footprint in front. This footprint is encircled and protected by a naga (serpent). Historically, during the third week after enlightenment, Gautama Buddha was protected by the naga king Mucalinda when there was a great shower of rain. Before 1^st century AD when Buddha was starting to be represented in human form, his footprint, wheel and the Bodhi tree were used as iconographic figures to represent Gautama Buddha.

In front of the Buddha’s Footprint Hall is the building of the Zediyingana Society (28). The building houses a collection of more than 6,000 books. Most of these books are rare texts on Buddhist religion and Myanmar culture. The Zediyingana Society is one of many societies that take responsibility in maintaining pagodas in Myanmar.

In front of Zediyingana Society building is the Sandawdwin Pagoda or Hall of Hair Washing (29). This is the site where, according to a popular legend, Eight Buddha’s Hair was washed before they were enshrined. There are screen carvings on the wall which depict, among the foliage and flowers, the two merchant brothers receiving the sacred hair of Gautama Buddha. A brick shrine was built in 1879 over the spring in which sacred hair were washed. Later, the shrine was decorated with glass mosaic work. The spring is said to be fed by water from Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River.

To the north side of the main stupa, directly across the Northern Stairway, you will find the Northern Devotion Hall or North Main Shrine (30). The Buddha image inside the niche of the hall is that of Gautama Buddha, the fourth Buddha of this world. The hall is recognized to be the most beautiful of all four halls in Shwedagon. This hall is the donation of Sir Po Tha, who served as Honorary Magistrate, Member of the legislative Council and Trustee of Shwedagon Pagoda. He received several distinguished awards and was knighted in 1927.

Note: The Shwedagon floor plan indicating these places can be viewed at Shwedagon Floor Plan.

Related posts:

1. Shwedagon Pagoda guide – structures in the North East
2. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Structures in north west corner
3. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Floor Plan and Map
4. Shwedagon Pagoda guide – structures on south and southwest terrace
5. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Structures on western terrace