Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – The Terrace

“At last we reached the great terrace. All about, shrines and pagodas were jumbled pell-mell with the confusion with which trees grow in the jungle. They had been built without design or symmetry, but in the darkness, their gold and marble faintly gleaming, they had a fantastic richness. And then, emerging from among them like a great ship surrounded by lighters, rose dim, severe and splendid, the Shwe Dagon.”

- W. Somerset Maugham, The Gentleman in the Parlour (1930)

Do any of the visitors know how many terraces or levels in Shwedagon? Many visitors know only the main terrace. Some know the existence of the upper level above this main terrace. However, most visitors are probably ignorant of the existence of the lower level in Shwedagon Pagoda.

There are three levels of terraces in Shwedagon Pagoda. The platform most foreign visitors usually visit is the main terrace, or the middle level. This is the most visited level in Shwedagon pagoda. Most religious buildings such as shrines, stupas, Buddha images, pavilions, buildings and bells are built in this level. Visitors and worshipers pay homage to Lord Buddha and offer flower, water, incense and candle light to the pagoda at this level. The terrace was built during the 15th century by Mon kings after leveling the top of the Singuttara Hill. The terrace is 275 meters from north to south and 215 meters from east to west. The area of this terrace is 5.6 hectares (14 acres). The whole terrace is inlaid with marble slabs.

The Terrace of Shwedagon Pagoda

However, above this level or terrace lies another level, the upper terrace. This is the most sacred floor of the pagoda. Only males are allowed to enter this floor. Visitors wishing to enter this floor need permission from the security. All foot wear must be left behind before entering this level. This terrace is open only during 6 AM to 6 PM. As far as I know, foreigners are not allowed to enter this floor, as this is only for the purpose of religious activities such as praying and meditation. Presence of tourists would destroy the quietness and serenity of the place.

The level below the main terrace is the lower floor. There is no marble slab or any sign indicating this is the lower level. Most visitors would simply not aware the existence of this level. This is the small strip of level ground on side of the stairway on the way to the main terrace. There is a small concrete foot path on either side of the stairway around the middle. This concrete foot path circles the whole hill, forming the lower level of Shwedagon Pagoda. This is where Buddhist monasteries are situated. You can take a walk along the footpath (in bare foot) and observe the various old and new monasteries in Shwedagon. Most foreign visitors to Shwedagon never know about this and never visit this place.

Related posts:

1. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – South East of the terrace
2. Shwedagon Pagoda guide – structures on south and southwest terrace
3. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Structures on western terrace
4. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – East side of the terrace
5. Shwedagon Pagoda Guide – Floor Plan and Map