Dhamma Talaka Pagoda

UNITED KINGDOM, Birmingham

The pagoda’s name means “Reservoir of the Dharma,” which refers to its location behind the Edgbaston Reservoir. The full name is Dhamma Talaka Peace Pagoda and it was founded in 1998. It was established by Rewata Dhamma to enshrine the Buddha relics given by King Thibaw Min (reigned 1878–1885) of Burma.
The base platform of the pagoda is an octagonal shrine hall with porticos extended from three sides. The portico that leads to the main entrance is three times longer than the others, and two lion statues guard the main portico. The teak doors at all three entrances are carved with Dharma protectors. Inside the shrine is a marble statue of the Buddha, sculpted in Burmese style. An electronic nimbus emits patterns in five colors around the Buddha’s head. Behind the Buddha there is a painting of the Bodhi tree, and above him there is a canopy in openwork. At the base of the dome-shaped ceiling there are reliefs of 28 Buddhas meditating underneath Bodhi trees, all made in various styles with different backgrounds.
Above the shrine there is a golden pagoda in the style of Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. Its base is octagonal with multiple corners. The bell-shape body is surmounted by a spire consisting of stacked rings, lotuses, and a vase, followed by a canopy and a jewel. The relics are enshrined inside the body of the pagoda.