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Top 10 Facts about Shwenandaw Monastery

Shwenandaw Kyaung, Mandalay Division by Go-Myanmar /

The monastery is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths which adorn its walls and roofs.

The building was originally part of the royal palace at Amarapura before it was moved to Mandalay.

The Shwenandaw Kyaung temple also known as shwe kyaung pyi it is the most significant historical building in Mandalay.

It is the sole remaining structure of the former wooden Royal Palace that was built by King Mindon in the mid-nineteenth century.

The building was heavily gilt with gold and adorned with glass mosaic work, The monastery is one of the finest examples of the traditional wooden monastery.

1. Shwenandaw monastery the only remaining traditional teak wooden building

The monastery was originally part of the royal palace complex in Amarapura but was moved to Mandalay.

The movement of the capital city to Mandalay the building was dismantled, and King Mindon used the building for his living quarters.

The Golden Palace Monastery is an ideal place to get in-depth knowledge of what the traditional Royal Palace must have looked like.

The palace was diminished by fire during World War two, the Shwenandaw Monastery is the only remaining traditional teak wooden building.

2. The awesome Monastery is located near Mandalay hill region Myanmar  

Shwenandaw Kyaung, Mandalay Division by Go-Myanmar/

Shwenandaw Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery located near the Mandalay hill region of Myanmar.

Located near the fourteenth street Mandalay close to Atumashi monastery the Shenandoah monastery is one of the wonderful fragile wooden monasteries.

3. The remarkable monastery also called the Golden Palace is constructed with teak

Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay in Myanmar by Gerd Eichmann/

Its architectural style is traditional Burmese it features a four-tiered roof each section gets smaller from the top level to the bottom level.

An intricately carved teak verandah at the first level surrounds the monastery, the outside is blackish but it’s covered in gold leaf.

The interior is constructed from teak there is still some gold plating inside the monastery once the structure was completely gilded.

The exterior and interior are decorated with intricate wood carvings the monastery is also called the Golden Palace Monastery.

4. Coming to Mandalay you can use the rickshaw at US$2 or a private taxi at US$4

The Shwenandaw Monastery is located a few hundred meters from the Northeast side of the royal palace grounds next to the Atumashi Pagoda.

If you are coming to Mandalay, you can get there by using the rickshaw which cost around the US $2, or by a private taxi at around US $4.

The monastery is open from 8 am to 6 pm visitors can visit at any time they are comfortable.

5. The Mandalay Archeological ticket is valid to visit several sites around Mandalay

In the Golden palace Monastery, you can buy a Mandalay Archeological zone ticket for the US $10 that is valid for a week.

The ticket is also valid to visit the Atumashi Pagoda located right next to it and several sites around Mandalay.

6. The amazing Automashi Monastery the largest religious building built using teak 

Atumashi monastery by Kotraveller/

The Automatic Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Mandalay Myanmar it was built by King Mindon two years after the capital was moved.

The original monastery structure was built using teak, covered with stucco on the outside, it has an enormous single prayer hall.

The monastery was destroyed by a fire that destroyed both the monastery and the Buddha image.

The monastery also known as the Incomparable Monastery due to its sheer size, the Atumashi is considered one of the largest religious buildings.

7. The remarkable Mandalay hill is a tourist attraction the climb is done barefoot 

Mandalay Hill by Stefan Fussan/

The hill is located to the northeast of Mandalay city in Myanmar the city took its name from the hill.

A scenic view of Mandalay hill makes it worthwhile to climb up its stairways, the four stairways are called the saungdan leading up to the hill from the south.

When you climb up the hill you will pass through several statues related to the story of the Ogress Sandha Mukhi.

Legend has it that she ruled Mandalay hill when the Buddha came to pray, she had no offer to offer and her breasts were cut off and offered to the Buddha.

As a visitor when you are in Mandalay look towards the horizon in the northeast you will see the hill with golden Pagodas jutting out of the thick green canopy.

The hill has several Pagodas and temples to be explored, although one can drive to the top of the hill.

The climb has to be done barefoot since they are religious monuments en route to the top, two Chinthes protect the entrance of the stairway.

8. Kuthodaw Pagoda is also called the world’s largest book featuring the largest Zedi 

Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay, Myanmar by Jacklee/

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located in Mandalay that contains the world’s largest book.

The Kuthodaw Pagoda also known as the Royal merit Pagoda was built by King Mindon Min at the same time the royal palace was built.

The pagoda features a large zedi and hundreds of inscribing marble slabs contained in a compact area.

The main entrance has a red south gate which is adorned with the sculpting of deities and animals from Buddhist and Hindu mythology.

The seven hundred and twenty-nine slabs are also called the world’s largest book each stone slab representing one of its pages.

9. Sanda Muni Pagoda the largest iron Buddha image in Burma 

Sandamani Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa located southwest of Mandalay hill. The pagoda is also known as the largest Zedi.

It has hundreds of shines containing inscribed marble slabs and the largest iron Buddha image in Burma.

The pagoda was built as a memorial to crown Prince Kanaung who was murdered by two of King Mindons Min’s sons.

For visitors visiting the entry fee is US$ 5 per person it is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm to allow visitors to come and admire the pagoda.

10. Burmese Teak wood is strong and durable giving furniture its aesthetic 

Burmese teak for centuries this framed tress have fueled wars and funded empires thus there has been decades of overharvesting have pushed the forests to the brink.

Myanmar has the highest proportion of forests covering southeast Asia, the teak is popular for its durability.

It’s outstanding in shape retention it gives an aesthetic appeal and royal look to furniture, and the teak is easy to handle, polish, and work with.

It’s immune to white ants the wood is elastic it’s strong and durable, re-polishing is recommended after a few years.