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These are results for why are the designs of the Shwedagon, the shwe maw daw and the pagoda built by Anawrahta so similar Search instead for why are the deisgns of the Shwedagon, the shwe maw daw and the pagoda built by Anawrahta so similar AI Overview Hti umbrella hi-res stock photography and images - Alamy The Shwedagon, Shwemawdaw, and Shwezigon (built by Anawrahta) share similar designs because they are all rooted in the same Theravada Buddhist symbolism and Mon architectural styles that emphasized colossal, gilded bell-shaped stupas to house relics. These structures, built to represent the Buddha's teachings (Dhamma) and honor his relics, adopted the traditional Indian-influenced stupa design.

Shared Religious Symbolism: Each pagoda serves as a reliquary for sacred items, featuring a similar structure designed to honor the Buddha.

Architectural Influence: They reflect the Mon influence on early Burmese (Bagan) architecture, which favored a circular, bell-shaped form that developed into the iconic "paya" shape.

Design Elements:

Base: Features seven angular projections representing the folds in the Buddha's robe.

Bell Shape: Represents the core relic chamber.

Hti (Umbrella): The pinnacle serves as a staff or protective umbrella.

Cultural Standardization: King Anawrahta, after unifying Burma, promoted Theravada Buddhism, leading to the standardization of this, which became the model for many, including his own Shwezigon.