Mingalar Zedi Pagoda

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan

Mingalar Zedi means the Blessing Pagoda. It was the last magnificent pagoda built during the Bagan Empire (circa 849–1287). Construction of the pagoda was started in 1268 by the last monarch King Narathihapate (reigned 1254–1287). At one point the building work was halted after it was prophesized that the country would collapse on the day of the completion of the pagoda. Later an eminent monk reminded King Narathihapate of the truth of impermanence, and gave this honest and wise advice: where in the world has there ever been an everlasting empire or ruler? Thus reassured, the king gave orders to resume the construction, which was completed in 1274.
The brick pagoda is modeled after the Shwezigon Pagoda. The base is square with multiple corners and consists of three terraces. Glazed ceramic reliefs depicting the Jataka tales decorate the terraces. The three terraces are connected by stone stairways and a smaller pagoda is erected at every corner. On the third terrace there are four ancillary pagodas that are identical in form to the main pagoda. The bell-shaped body stands on a two-layer Sumeru base. Above the body there are stacked rings culminating in a tapered curved shape, an upturned lotus, and finial. The pagoda houses a silver statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, as well as many statues of kings, queens, and nobles.
After the collapse of the Bagan Empire, this pagoda remained a symbol of its glorious past.