Thursday Doors – Myanmar 2

The Shwezigon Pagoda is situated in Nyaung U, close to Bagan. This 11th Century pagoda is totally gold plated. Except for the red door at the top of the red staircase. It was the centre of “Nat” worship in Bagan prior to the advent of Buddhism.  There are 37 major Nats or guardian spirits. Some represent the forest or mountains, but others are more specific, such as Min Kwawzwa who is a sort of “patron saint” for tramps and alcoholics. 

Check out the “Fake Booze” Johnny Walker Red Label by his foot

The Ananda Pagoda

This pagoda has been recently restored following earthquake damage. It is very beautiful, although its doors aren’t anything special.

In Britain, we have a tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold through the door of the married couple’s home. So I think it is appropriate to add a wedding photograph.

This is the equivalent of a cloister which allows worshippers to walk in the cool to the inner holy area of the Ananda Pagoda. It’s a doorway without doors.

Inside the pagoda there are some huge, tall doors and some huge tall golden statues of the Buddha.

My paternal grandfather was a very practical man who died many years ago. I know what he would have to say about this magnificent monument, this glistening white pagoda: “How the hell did they hang them bloody doors?”