Kaba Aye Pagoda

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Kaba Aye Pagoda, or the World Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist site on Kaba Aye Road in Mayangon Township, Yangon, Myanmar. It sits about 11 kilometers north of downtown Yangon and was built in 1952 by Prime Minister U Nu for the Sixth Buddhist Council, held there from 1954 to 1956 to mark Buddha’s 2500-year enlightenment.

The main pagoda is 111 feet tall and 111 feet around at the base. In the same complex is the Maha Pasana Guha (Great Cave), a replica of the Indian Satta Panni cave where the first Buddhist council met. The cave has six entrances and a large assembly space inside.

Architecturally, the pagoda sits on a circular platform with a cave-temple style. It has five porches with colorful pediments, and the surrounding walls feature lotus designs and swastikas in stucco. The main pagoda is accompanied by five smaller stupas, each about eight feet high. Inside, there are Buddha relics, including a large silver statue, and rooms for relics.

History and significance: U Nu built the complex to promote Buddhism as a central part of national life. The Sixth Buddhist Council (1954–1956) took place nearby during Burma’s 2500-year celebration of Buddha’s enlightenment. The site reflects Burma’s tradition of rulers building pagodas, though it sparked debate about linking religion and state.

Practical details: The complex is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm. An admission fee of about $5 is charged. It attracts both pilgrims and visitors seeking peace and quiet.

Notable event: On December 25, 1996, two bombs exploded at the Kaba Aye Pagoda and the Maha Pasana Cave, killing five people and wounding 17. The tooth relic on display survived. The attacks occurred during a crackdown on protesters, with authorities blaming anti-government groups who denied involvement.