Hsinbyume Pagoda
# Hsinbyume Pagoda

The Hsinbyume Pagoda (Burmese: ဆင်ဖြူမယ်စေတီ; also known as Myatheindan Pagoda (မြသိန်းတန်စေတီ)) is a large pagoda on the northern side of Mingun in Sagaing Region in Myanmar, on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River. It is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) northwest of Mandalay and is located in the proximity of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi. The pagoda is painted white and is modelled on the physical description of the Buddhist sacred mountain, Mount Meru.

## Construction

The pagoda was built in 1816 by Bagyidaw. It is dedicated to the memory of his first consort and cousin, Princess Hsinbyume (ဆင်ဖြူမယ်, lit. Princess White Elephant, 1789–1812) who had died in childbirth in a site nearby.

## Design

The pagoda's design is a great departure from Burmese pagoda design norms. It is based on descriptions of the mythical Sulamani pagoda on Mount Meru, and the lower parts of the pagoda represent the mountain. Seven concentric terraces represent the seven mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru according to Buddhist mythology.

## Restoration

The pagoda was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1838 and was restored by King Mindon in 1874.

