1.
L.S. Shot of the world famous SHWEDAGON PAGODA.


2.
S.V. of a Burmese Lion at the entrance.


3.
C.U." of a Burmese Lion's head.


4.
L.S." of the dome of the Pagoda with the entrance in the F.G.


5.
L.S." of the dome of the pagoda with another entrance.


6.
S.V. Dome of the Pagoda.


7.
L.S. Shot of the high flight of stairways leading up the Pagoda.


8.
L.S. Shot of the smaller Pagodas inside the Shwedagon and people going round them.


9.
L.S. Of the World Peace Pagoda.


10.
L.S. Of the World Peace Pagoda.


11.
M.L.S. Of Burmese Men and women going in for prayers.


12.
L.S. Of the gilded image of the Buddha, with people praying.


13.
C.U. Of the beautifully worked golden attendant standing outside the temple.


14.
C.U. Of the head of another attendant.


15.
C.U. Of the head of another attendant.


16.
M.S. Of a husband and wife lighting candles to be put at the statue for prayers.


17.
M.L.S. Of the husband and wife praying, with statue in the F.G.


18.
M.C. Of the husband and wife.


19.
C.U. Of the statue of Buddha with offerings of flowers and candles surrounding.


20.
L.S. Of the 40 ton heavy bell inside the Shwedagon Pagoda.


21.
another L.S. Of the huge massive bell.


22.
C.U. Of an image of Buddha surrounded by flowers inside the Shwedagon Pagoda.


23.
L.S. Of the SULE PAGODA in the heart of the city.


24.
L.S. Of the Sule Pagoda.


25.
Tilt up. Showing the exquisite work on the Sule Pagoda.


26.
Pan. Of the exquisite work on the Pagoda.




Initials JH/VCW



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Buddhist land of Burma, is dotted all over the country with 'Pagodas', the shrines in memory of the Buddha. Most of the Pagodas of Burma are found in ancient capital sites or in places of historical significance.

Rangoon, the lovely capital of the country is famous for some its finest Pagodas. The towering Shwedagon, dating back to 2500 years, is the largest place of worship for Buddhists all over the world. Originally built to a height of only 27 feet, the Shwedagon today is 326 feet high. The perimeter at the base of the Pagoda is 1420 feet, and this base is surrounded by lovely gilded 64 smaller pagodas.

One of the bells presented to the pagoda by King Tharrawady weighs 40 tons.

Access to the pagoda is by four huge stairways on four sides opposite each other. On the top of the pagoda under the golden umbrella is a golden globe 10 inches in diameter and inlaid with diamonds and other precious stones.

A new addition to the city is this Pagoda dedicated to the cause of world peace and whose construction was sponsored by Premier U NU.

This man made cave, build at a cost of Rs.5 million is in fact the huge meeting hall for several thousand monks. This was used for the 2500 th Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha.

Sule Pagoda, in the heart of the city was built 2200 years ago. In it is enshrined a Hair (Buddha's hair) and other relics brought over from India by two Buddhist monks Ashin Tholla and Ashin Ottara. The height of the Pagoda is 157 feet and is right in the centre of the city. It is also famous for its beautiful golden work.