Ratana-Pon Pagoda- Myanmar (Burma)

Address

Ratana-Pon Pagoda- Mrauk-U, Myanmar (Burma)

Diety

Buddha

Introduction

Ratanabon Temple is a solid stupa in Mrauk U, Rakhine State, and Western Myanmar. The pagoda is located at the northwest corner of the Shite-thaung Temple. The Ratana-Pon is a massive, solid stupa found near the Shite-Thaung temple North of the town of Mrauk U. While some structures in Mrauk U show Indian influence, the Ratana-Pon is pure Arakanese design; the impressive, massive monument is without decorative elements or ornamentation. The temple was built by King Min Khammoung in 1612. To this day, not a single jewel has ever been found. The temple here is truly stunning, particularly in the early morning light. Its bell shape is prominent, surrounded by almost two dozen smaller stupas.

Puranic Significance

It was built in 1612 by King Khamaung and his Queen Shin Htway. According to legend, the Ratana-Pon Paya was built to store treasures like jewels, gold and valuable images. Although the stupa was damaged several times as a result of earthquakes and war, not a single valuable was ever found. It is therefore likely that the name Ratana-Pon (“accumulation of treasures”) refers to spiritual treasures instead of material ones.