Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas

Sandamuni Pagoda is surrounded by a jungle of white stupas built in a similar style. The moment I saw it while riding on a tuk-tuk, I couldn’t wait to see what was inside.

Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas mandalay Myanmar
Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas (Mandalay, Myanmar)

Looking from the outside gates, the soaring tiny spires of these pagodas beckoned any visitors or passersby. There’s something about them that pulls you towards the gate.

Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas Mandalay Myanmar
Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas (Mandalay, Myanmar)

It’s free to enter the Buddhist pagoda. But as soon as you reach the door, you have to take off your footwear, including socks.

Things to do Mandalay Myanmar
Visiting this Buddhist temple is one of the things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar.

From the main entrance, you walk on a covered path. On both sides, you will notice the rows of shrines with stupas all painted in white. Their topmost gold-plated spires are a sight to behold.

Sands muni Temple Mandalay Myanmar
Ever wondered what’s inside these shrines?

There’s a tiny entrance on the right where visitors can pass through to see what’s inside these shrines.

Things to do in Mandalay Myanmar
A description of what you can expect in each of these shrines.

Each shrine contains the teachings of Buddha written on a grey marble slab measuring 1m by 1.5m.

Tourist attractions in mandalay Myanmar
Tourist attractions in Mandalay (Myanmar).

There are 1,774 slabs enshrined here, and it might take you a whole day to see each of them. I think I inspected 20 of them and then continued to the main pagoda.

Tourist attractions in Mandalay Myanmar
Tourist attractions in Mandalay (Myanmar).

At the end of the covered path, this towering, golden stupa welcomes you.

Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas Mandalay Myanmar
Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas (Mandalay, Myanmar).

I was there around 3:30 in the afternoon, and candles were all over the place.

Hotel Mandalay Hosel
Things to do in Mandalay.

I asked this lady but, unfortunately, she can’t speak English. So, I assumed there was a ceremony later that night.

Hotel Mandalay Hostel Myanmar
It’s free to enter the pagoda complex.

Also, unfortunately, the main golden stupa is under renovation, so there’s no way to peek what’s inside.

Tourist attractions in Myanmar Mandalay
This is just one of the many pagodas to visit in Mandalay (Myanmar).

However, this main stupa houses Myanmar’s largest iron Buddha statue from which it got its name, Sandamani.

Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas (Mandalay, Myanmar).
Tourist attractions in Mandalay (Myanmar).

Standing on the main platform, you’ll see the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda nestled on Mandalay hill.

Things to do in Mandalay
The best to visit here is in the afternoon.

A Little Bit of History

Sandamuni Pagoda was built as a memorial to the murdered crown Prince Kanaung. Two of King Mindon’s sons didn’t like the idea that Kanaung was the next in line to take the royal crown. The crowned Prince’s body and that of his family are entombed in the pagoda complex.

Sandamuni Pagoda and a Jungle of White Stupas (Mandalay, Myanmar).
With all the whiteness around you, every photograph you take here is incredible.

Where to Stay in Mandalay

I stayed at the Royal Pearl Hotel, which is 10 minutes walk to/from the Mandalay Palace and 5 minutes walk to the train station.  Hotel Iceland. There are a lot of convenience shops, restaurants, and food stalls in the area. The rooms are clean, and the staff members are nice. You can book it via Booking.

KeepCalmAndWander

A wanderer. A frustrated photographer. Hiker. Lover. Half extrovert, half introvert. Solo traveler.

1 comment

  • Thank you for sharing this beautiful attraction and the historical background. You may love to know about Nepalese Himalayas Nar Phu Valley Trek Guide, which was an absolutely incredible experience, I have ever done! I highly recommend it to fellow solo adventurers looking for a rewarding and beautiful trek in the Nepalese Himalayas.

  • Leave a reply

    KEEP CALM and WANDER