Eight-Faces Paya

Have you ever heard of a pagoda named after a gourd? Right here in Bagan, the Eight-Faces Paya, also known as Shit-Myet-Hna Hpaya, stands as a unique landmark. It’s a relatively small pagoda, especially compared to some of Bagan’s giants. But its unusual name and history make it worth a visit. The Eight-Faces Paya takes its name from the Burmese word “bu,” meaning gourd or pumpkin. Legend connects the pagoda to King Pyusawhti and his defeat of the “Five Great Menaces” that plagued Bagan. One of these menaces was a relentless gourd plant with incredibly strong vines. These vines spread across the land, and even if cut at night, they would reappear by morning. Pyusawhti, with his magic bow, conquered the menacing gourd and other threats, eventually becoming king. He then built pagodas at each spot where he’d vanquished a menace. The Eight-Faces Paya, shaped like a gourd, commemorates his victory over the tenacious plant. While the original Eight-Faces Paya was sadly destroyed in the 1975 earthquake, it has since been rebuilt. It now stands as a testament to this quirky legend. Although reconstructed with modern materials, it retains its distinctive bulbous dome, easily recognizable along the Ayeyarwady River. The Lonely Planet guide suggests viewing the Eight-Faces Paya at night from one of the restaurants to its north when it is beautifully lit. This small but significant pagoda offers a unique glimpse into the legends and history of Bagan.