The Mingun Pahtodawgyi or Minigun Paya in the town of Mingun, approximately 10 km northwest of Mandalay in central Myanmar, is a massive unfinished monument on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. The monument began construction in 1790 by King Bodawpaya, but had to be stopped before it could be completed. Had the monument been finished, it would have been the world’s biggest stupa. Even with just the bottom third of it complete, the unfinished pagoda is a mighty brick edifice, about 50 meters tall and 70 meters wide.

The Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an impressive sight. At the center of the 50 meter high pagoda facing the river is a huge richly decorated entrance. Inside it is a small shrine with a Buddha image. In front of the pagoda facing the river are the remains of two giant lion statues about 29 meters high, guarding the temple.

The door to Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Photo credit