Irrawaddy River Cruise and Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda - Mandalay Myanmar 2023

The Irrawaddy River (often spelled Ayeyarwady River) ဧရာဝတီမြစ် from Indic revatī, meaning "abounding in riches" is a river that flows from north to south through Myanmar (Burma). It is the country's largest river and most important commercial waterway.

As early as the sixth century, the river was used for trade and transport. Having developed an extensive network of irrigation canals, the river became important to the British Empire after it had colonized Burma. The river is still important today because it is used for a significant amount of traffic and (export) goods. In the Irrawaddy Delta, rice is grown using river water for irrigation.

Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda

Intended to be a 500 foot high stupa, a mound housing Buddhist relics, the Pahtodawgyi remains unfinished to this day but is still an awe-inspiring structure. Measuring 450 by 450 feet and 172 feet high, it dwarfs the surrounding area, and would easily have rivaled the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza had King Bodawpaya finished its construction.

Construction began in 1790, using mostly slave labor, and causing a massive drain on resources and manpower in the area. The project was widely unpopular during its time, which some suspect caused its cessation.

King Bodawpaya was a superstitious man and during the construction, it was prophesied that the completion of the great stupa would cause his death or the destruction of the country. Worried about maintaining his empire, the king slowed progress on the stupa. When he died, construction was abandoned completely.

Since the early 19th century, the stupa has become increasingly decrepit. An earthquake in 1839 left giant cracks along the face of the stupa, and wear and tear have led it to become almost natural looking. Without the bright white entrance visitors could easily mistake the stupa for a large earthen mound.

The Pagoda was interesting to see but to me the highlight was life on the river. I really enjoy seeing how people have adapted to their environment and live their daily lives.

Enjoy the video!

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