The Jade Pagoda
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The Jade
Pagoda
 As we drove up to the Jade Pagoda we knew this was something different and
unique.
  A slightly different
shape and a very different
exterior.
The Jade Pagoda or more formally Werawsana Pagoda is 75 feet 6 inches high and 176 feet in circumference; each terrace is 52 feet 6 inches long, 52 feet 6 inches broad and 12 feet high. The Umbrella on the top of the Pagoda is 7 feet high and the decorative Banana Bud is 8 feet 6 inches high. Each of the four entrance caves facing four cardinal directions have a jade Buddha statue in seated position. Thirty thousand jade Buddha statues, each measuring 2 inches in circumference, adorn the entire body of the Pagoda. The Jade Pagoda can
withstand an earthquake of 6.59 Richter scale. To enable it to meet heavy storms
they used board pile technology. On the steel frame, iron nets and cement were
added. There are no bricks and only jade stones that have been collected by
donors for over twenty five years are used in the construction. The quality jade
stones of A,B,C,D grades of international jade market, totalling over one
thousand tons of weight were used to build this Pagoda and 850 tons of quality
jade stones are enshrined in the body of the Pagoda. The diamond Bud is also
made of quality jade.
“Werawsana” means it was built for all peoples of Myanmar and all peoples of the world who worship and paid homage to it. They all may receive all blessings that is all Mingalar (which can mean blessing, we are blessed and is used in welcome or hello) and enjoy peace. Therefore, the title-name means giving of peace, progress, prosperity, good fortune, glory, fame, wealth and immunity from all dangers, and wish-fulfilling. Valued anywhere between ten and twenty million, it matters not, the only jade pagoda in the world has a charm beyond its building materials.    Wow as we saw the first
Buddha.
   The other three
Buddha’s.
  The jade panel
behind one of the Buddha’s and a side
panel.
   Two of the outdoor
panels and the ‘umbrella’ at the
top.
  Two more precious
panels.
  One of the two
bells, detail of the yoke and
canons.
  Teak detail for
one of the Buddha’s shrines.
 Sunset saw the pagoda
take on the pinks.
 One of the natural jade rock pillars.
  Another pillar
and the building next door at sunset.
   As the lights came on a slim piece of jade was backlit. The dome lit and looking
back.
 Leaving a very
special place.
ALL IN ALL A MEMORIAL OF GREAT
BEAUTY
BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED AND
UNIQUE
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