Lawkananda pagoda

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Lawkananda pagoda
11th Century stupa on the Irrawaddy river enshrining Buddha relics
The Lawkananda or Loka Nanda pagoda on the banks of the Irrawaddy river
Gilded stupa
Name Lawkananda pagoda, Loka Nanda paya Date 1059 King Anawrahta Location On the banks of the Irrawaddy river
Off Bagan - Chauk road near new Bagan Style Early period Nearby Kubyauk-gyi
The Lawkananda Paya is a beautiful golden pagoda on top of a small hill on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. Its name translates to “Joy of the world” in ancient Pali language.

The pagoda, also known as the Loka Nanda pagoda was built in 1059 by King Anawrahta, founder of the Bagan empire. It enshrines a replica of a tooth relic of the Gautama Buddha, that the King obtained from Sri Lanka. The pagoda, located a few kilometers South of old Bagan marked the Southern boundary of Bagan’s capital.

The cylindrical pagoda somewhat resembles the much older Bupaya pagoda, located further North in old Bagan, which is more bell shaped.

From the Loka Nanda’s platform visitors have good views of the Irrawaddy river and the mountain range in the background. At night the pagoda is lit up. Although an attractive place with the river breeze and serene atmosphere, the Lawkananda is a little visited Paya, mainly used by Burmese people as a place of worship.

In the middle of the rainy season late July, Early August depending on the lunar calender the Lawkananda pagoda festival is held to celebrate the rain in the very dry Bagan region.