Myanmar: Mingun Pagoda
About 12km north of Mandalay by Aeyrwaddy River cruising is Mingun Pahtodawgyi (or a very large unfinished stupa). This would have been by far the world’s largest stupa if it was completed. King Bodawpaya launched the construction in 1790 using thousands of slaves and prisoners of war. Many hundreds died and allegedly a prophecy was created that as soon as the pagoda was complete the King would die and the country would fall. The king ordered the construction halted, and after he eventually dies it was completely abandoned. The unfinished pagoda is 50 meters tall or about 1/3 of the intended height. Also nearby is the world’s largest hanging bell – Mingun Bell (as well built by the megalomaniac King). (The world’s largest bell is in Moscow but it’s cracked and not hanging).
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