Mingun Pahtodawgyi was the grandiose project started in 1790 by King Bodawpaya. The 50 m high uncompleted monument is regarded as one of the examples of the eccentricities of the king. It was planned to be a massive 150 m stupa but, according to one story, the superstitious king delayed the work on hearing the prophesy that he would die on its completion. Due to its high cost to the country and people, not surprisingly, after King Bodawpaya died, work on Mingun Paya was abandoned. In 1839, an earthquake badly damaged the monument, causing huge cracks on the structure which now is claimed to be the largest pile of bricks in the world!
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| Mingun Pahtodawgyi showing the huge crack caused by earthquake |
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A small temple built into the monument Steps lead to the top of Mingun monument |
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| Top of Mingun monument with view of Hsinbyume Pagoda |
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| The gleaming white Hsinbyume Pagoda |
The Mingun Bell that the king never got to place on his monument. At a massive 90 tons, it is the 2nd largest ringing bell in the world.
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