Kaba Aye Pagoda

Overview

Kaba Aye, the World Peace Pagoda, was built in the 1950s by Prime Minister U Nu to host the Sixth Buddhist Council (Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyanā). Located in northern Yangon, this beautiful circular pagoda and its adjacent Maha Pasana Guha (Great Sacred Cave) represent Myanmar's modern Buddhist heritage and its role as a guardian of Theravada tradition.

Highlights

• Great Sacred Cave: A man-made cave built to replicate the First Buddhist Council cave in India, seating 10,000 monks.
• Circular Design: The pagoda's 34-metre height and perfect circular form reflect modernist Buddhist architecture.
• Relic Chamber: Houses sacred relics authenticated during the Sixth Buddhist Council proceedings.

History

Prime Minister U Nu ordered the construction of both the pagoda and the Great Sacred Cave in 1952 to host the Sixth Buddhist Council, which convened from 1954 to 1956. Over 2,500 monks gathered to recite, verify, and edit the entire Pali Canon during this two-year event. The cave was completed in just 14 months using a bamboo-frame technique.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Don't miss the Great Sacred Cave — it's an awe-inspiring space even when empty.
• Tip 2: Less touristy than Shwedagon, offering a peaceful and authentic devotional atmosphere.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.