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  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

Myanmar

Shwe Indein Zedi is the name of a Buddhist temple complex in Indein, a village near the southeastern edge of Inle Lake, in Myanmar's Shan State.

 

The temple consists of a group of ancient Buddhist pagodas and was reportedly commissioned in the reign of the 12th Century AD Pagan King Narapati Sithu.

 

  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

However, despite archaeological or historical evidence to support it, popular tradition holds that it was built by the 3rd Century AD Mauryan Emperor Dhammasoka and later renovated by the 11th Century AD Burmese King Anawrahta (fig.).

 

The nation's numerous earthquakes have caused many of the zedi to collapse (fig.), while the encroaching jungle has over time covered the masonry structures with vegetation, including large trees, some of which have rooted on top of the pagodas.

 

  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

These features, together with the ancient bas-reliefs and statues of temple guardians, angels and deities, allow for this place to convey to its visitors a rather unique somewhat Jungle Book-like atmosphere.

 

The name Shwe Indein Zedi translates ‘Golden Indein Pagoda(s)’ and may refer to the desert sand-like colour of most structures.

 

  Shwe Indein Zedi

 

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