Global Treasures: Mingun

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1094

UPC: 879061006937

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Most of the buildings in Thailand's historic village of Mingun date back to the ambitious plans of King Bodawpaya, who was convinced that he was an exemplary Hindu-Buddhist sovereign and thus did not permit any criticism of his architectural ideas. An example of his great love of architecture is the elegant white statue of the Settawya Pagoda that was built in 1811.

Shining bright white and magnificent, the Hsinbyume or Myatheindan Pagoda is located in the northern part of Mingun. The temple was built by a grandchild of Bodawpaya, Bagyidaw, in 1816. Three years prior to his reign, the king dedicated the sacred building to his deceased, favorite and highly religious wife, Hsinbyume. The outstanding architecture of the pagoda is closely associated with Hindu-Buddhist cosmology and therefore, with Mount Meru, the "Centre of the World."

Seven wave-shaped terraces symbolize the mountains that surround Mount Meru and the Sulamani Temple that is located on its summit.

However, Mingun is not only known for its impressive architecture. It is home to the world's heaviest bell, which is six metres high and weighs more than ninety tons!