Ratana-Pon Pagoda
61 Meter high solid stupa of Arakanese design
The Ratana-Pon is a massive, solid stupa found near the Shite-Thaung temple North of the town of Mrauk U. It was built in 1612 by King Khamaung and his Queen Shin Htway.
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.
“Pile of treasures”
The name Ratana-Pon translates to “pile of treasures” or “accumulation of treasures”. The pagoda that is also known as Yadanabon is a bell shaped stupa rising to the top in a number of receding concentric tiers. The 61 meter high pagoda is topped with a spire called chattra. The central stupa is surrounded by 17 smaller stupas.
The solid pagoda is constructed with blocks of sandstone. It does not have an entrance and lacks any ornamentation, niches or images of the Buddha. It is guarded by four sandstone Chinthes, mythological animals that look like lions.
The Ratana-Pon is surrounded by an octagonal wall with an entrance to the South. It was heavily damaged when it was hit by a bomb in World War II. It has been fully restored to its original design.
Legend of the Ratana-Pon
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.
Other temples in Mrauk U
Among the other temples & pagodas in Mrauk U are: