Why would a monastery in Mandalay have L-shaped stairs and winged statues? Look around you. We are standing in front of the Maha Wi Zi Tar Yon Monastery. This monastery is a fascinating example of how architectural styles can blend. It’s a unique sight in Mandalay, a city known for its strong traditional Burmese architecture. The Maha Wi Zi Tar Yon Monastery was built in 1866. It was commissioned by a wealthy royal official named U Po Hlaing. He was the administrator of Yaw, a town in central-west Myanmar, and a man of great influence in King Mindon’s court. He didn’t just want to build a monastery. He wanted to create something special. U Po Hlaing decided to incorporate Western-style architecture. He hired masons all the way from India to achieve his vision. This is why you see these unusual features in a Burmese monastery. Look for the decorated pillars, the stone figures of winged men, and of course, the L-shaped stairs. This fusion makes the Maha Wi Zi Tar Yon Monastery a special place. It stands as a reminder of the global connections that existed even in the 19th century, a testament to the vision of its founder, U Po Hlaing.
Maha Wi Zi Tar Yon Monastery
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