Pyay Payagyi Stupa, Myanmar

Address

Pyay Payagyi Stupa, Myanmar

Pyay-Aunglan Road, Pyay,

Myanmar (Burma)

Moolavar

Buddha

Introduction

Payagyi stupa looms dramatically about four kilometers east of downtown Pyay. Although often described as a 5th century creation, its true age is not known, with Stadtner commenting that along with the Payama stupa. Both monuments stand outside the circular walls of Sri Ksetra, though this is true of many of the site’s monuments and should not be taken as an indication that the ancient city came later. However, given its archaic design—it has neither the grace of later Bagan-era stupas nor their complexity—the monument probably dates from the 5th to the 9th centuries.

Puranic Significance

Elizabeth Moore notes that four urns were found in the vicinity of the site in 1911-12, about 63 meters south of the stupa. Although one was looted, the remainder contained traces of bone ash, red earth, and white pebbles. If the Burmese era beginning in 638 AD is used as a starting point, the urns mention four deceased individuals (one for each urn) spanning the years 673 to 718, with the deceased ranging in age from 41 to 64. Unfortunately, the connection between the urns and the Payagyi is only tangential, and without additional archeological research it is not possible to say much with certainty other than that the site near the Payagyi was used as a burial ground and that it was in use for at least 50 years.

The stupa is popularly believed to house an important relic—the toe nail of the Buddha’s big toe, from the right foot. As a result, many pilgrims make the journey here without desiring to see other parts of Sri Ksetra. Although the site is open to visitors, women should note that only men are permitted on the uppermost of the three terraces surrounding the site.