SULE PAGODA

Placed at the heart of Yangon, Sule Pagoda plays an important part in the modern day politics, ideology, and geography of Myanmar. It was built almost 2,500 years ago and is a significant landmark in Yangon.

The structure of Sule Pagoda has strong connections to the Indian pagoda or stupa structure. According to legend, the stupa is supposed to enshrine within it a strand of hair of Lord Buddha, given by Buddha himself. Two merchant brothers, Trapusa and Bahalika, are considered responsible for procuring the strand of hair.

The pagoda has played a significant role in many of the key political movements in Myanmar. Prominent among them are the 8,888 uprising, where the pagoda served as an organizing point. During the Saffron Revolution of 2007, the site was also the home base for pro-democracy groups.