A model of the universe
The Lawkananda Pagoda, built in 1059 by King Anawrahta, is a physical model of the Buddhist cosmos. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, its primary purpose was to enshrine a replica of a sacred tooth of the Buddha, a relic obtained from the king of Sri Lanka. The name "Lawkananda" itself translates from Pali as "Joy of the World".
The pagoda's architecture functions as a three-dimensional mandala, mapping the path to enlightenment. The entire structure of a stupa, or pagoda, is a symbolic form. The square base represents the earth. Above this sits the dome, symbolizing water. The conical spire represents fire, the umbrella-like finial is air, and the final jewel at the peak symbolizes space or ether. The structure is a building and a diagram of the universe and the mind.
The building's design is an early example of Bagan architecture, with a brick core, a bell-shaped dome, and a finial of concentric rings resembling a series of umbrellas. Flights of stairs on the two lower terraces allow visitors to ascend, beginning their own symbolic climb up the cosmic mountain.
Encoded cosmology
The pagoda's tiered structure is a model of Mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe. Each terrace corresponds to a different level of existence or level of consciousness. The lower levels represent the Kama-loka, or the world of desire, which includes the human world. The upper, more refined parts of the stupa, such as the dome and spire, represent the higher levels of form (Rupa-loka) and formlessness (Arupa-loka), which are accessible through deep meditation.
Specific numbers encoded in stupa architecture carry deep meaning. The spire often has thirteen tapering rings between the dome and the finial. These represent the thirteen steps to achieving Enlightenment. The gateways, or toranas, seen in more complex stupas, are often aligned with the four cardinal directions. Each direction marks a key event in the Buddha's life: the east for his birth, the south for his enlightenment, the west for his first sermon, and the north for his final nirvana.
The monument is a place of worship, and its location on the river made it a prominent landmark for travelers and pilgrims. The enshrined tooth relic is not accessible to the public, but a viewing platform allows devotees to circumambulate the stupa.