Mandalay Hill Monastery Myanmar

Mandalay Hill Monastery Myanmar has an interesting history, not only is it a sacred sight visited for two centuries by Buddhist pilgrims, but it was also a stronghold held by the Japanese military during WW2.

Mandalay Hill, rising to a height of 240 meters, is a significant landmark in Myanmar, not only for its historical and spiritual significance but also for the panoramic views it offers of the surrounding cityscape. The hill’s name is intertwined with the city of Mandalay itself, which was named after this very hill. For nearly two centuries, Mandalay Hill has been a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists, dotted with an abundance of pagodas and monasteries that reflect the country’s rich religious heritage. The Sutaungpyei Pagoda, perched at the hill’s summit, is particularly noteworthy; its name translates to ‘wish-fulfilling,’ a fitting moniker for a place that inspires such reverence and awe.

The journey to the top of Mandalay Hill is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. Pilgrims and visitors can ascend the hill via one of four covered stairways, known as saung-dan, which are lined with convenient seats of masonry work for rest along the way. For those unable to make the climb, a one-way motor road, complete with an escalator and a lift, provides a more accessible route to the Sutaungpyei Pagoda. This blend of natural beauty and man-made convenience encapsulates the harmonious relationship between the Burmese people and their environment.

The hill’s historical significance is further accentuated by the presence of the Shwenandaw Monastery, a historic Buddhist monastery near Mandalay Hill. This monastery is renowned for its intricate wood carvings and is a testament to the craftsmanship and religious devotion of the Burmese people. Additionally, the hill was a strategic point during World War II, serving as a stronghold for the Japanese military, which adds a layer of modern history to its storied past.

Mandalay Hill’s cultural importance is also highlighted by the various legends and religious practices associated with it. One such legend involves the Buddha, who is said to have visited the hill and prophesied the flourishing of a great city at its base where his teachings would thrive. The hill is also home to the Shweyattaw Buddha Pavilion, which houses a large standing image of the Buddha, known as the Shweyattaw or Byadeippay Buddha. This statue is unique in that it depicts the Buddha pointing towards the city, a non-traditional mudra that is deeply symbolic for the local populace.

The ascent of Mandalay Hill is considered a meritorious deed in Buddhism, and the path is lined with stalls selling offerings for the Buddha, such as flowers and paper streamers, as well as food and refreshments for the visitors. The dazaungs, or halls, along the way, are adorned with frieze paintings, many of which date back to the late Konbaung dynasty period. These paintings, along with the hermit U Khanti’s dazaung, where the Peshawar Relics were once kept, enrich the spiritual journey with historical context and artistic beauty.

In summary, Mandalay Hill is not just a physical elevation but a metaphorical one, lifting the spirits and aspirations of those who visit. It stands as a beacon of Myanmar’s cultural and religious identity, offering a serene yet vibrant atmosphere that resonates with the devotion of the pilgrims and the curiosity of the tourists alike. Whether one is seeking spiritual fulfilment, historical insight, or simply a breathtaking view, Mandalay Hill provides an experience that is both profound and picturesque.

Mandalay Hill During WWII

The entire hill was regarded as a shrine and instructions were given to refrain from using artillery unless necessary. ‘On the morning of 8 March the leading units of Stiletto Force, moving down the banks of the Irrawaddy appeared before Mandalay to the complete surprise of the defenders. Large numbers of Japanese were found in the canal area to the northeast of Mandalay Hill. Efforts to dislodge the enemy from this position failed and two tanks were destroyed.

During the Burma campaign on 14th March 1945 Mandalay Hill and the monastery was occupied by the Japanese. Various tunnels under the monastery were used as a defence post against the British soldiers but to no avail. General William Slim seconded the 19th Indian Division on the job of taking Mandalay Hill from the Japanese.

Grenades were tossed into the tunnels by British soldiers, which proved unsuccessful they then used cylindrical bombs with conical heads, each containing six pounds of high explosive, these bombs with delayed action fuses were placed on the roof of the building and detonated. The blast penetrated the depths of the monastery killing all of the Japanese inside.

Before the colonization of Burma, there were over 15,000 monasteries in Burma, mostly built of teak wood. Monasteries were often built through donations to a village by wealthy inhabitants of the village and community donations not only gain merit for the donator but help with the maintenance of the monastery. Monasteries and pagodas were built with old traditional styles and modelled on earthly perceptions of what the heavenly mansions of the gods must look like.

Other Monasteries close to Mandalay Hill Monastery and other Interesting readings on the archaeology of Mandalay

Detailed Events related to the take over by the British on Mandalay Hill during WW2