Mandalay Mingun

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Mantara Gyi Pagoda, destined to tower to a massive 500 feet and become the largest pagoda in the world, sadly only became the largest brick pile in the world.  

Thousands of slaves and prisoners of war were pressed into service.  Building was halted upon the death of Bodawpaya in 1813.  As none of his 122 children or 208 grandchildren shared his vision, it remained unfinished. 

Visibility being poor we opted not to remove our shoes and climb to the top.

In 1838, an earthquake caused the upper levels to collapse into the hollow base.  Today the edifice stands at only a third of it's intended height.  We walked around the base to the back where we were the only visitors and where the slaphappy crew with the whitewash had omitted  to paint the entrance.  

 

  2005 Update 

I retuned, the weather was fair and I was on my way to the top.  The path looked promising with good  steps.  It quickly deteriorated and is quite a challenge.  Not for the faint of heart or anyone with vertigo.

The view from the top.  
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