Four Buddha Shrines

In Theravāda Buddhism, there are five Buddhas. At present, only four have appeared so far, with the last one being Gautama Buddha, while the appearance of the fifth Buddha is awaited. Each of the four Buddha shrines is located opposite the end of the entrance halls at a cardinal point of the pagoda. They are each dedicated to a Buddha whose image is located there. According to legend, King Okkalapa found relics of the three others in addition to the hairs of Gautama Buddha while investigating the area of the Singuttara Hill. The devotees frequent these shrines starting with the eastern one and then move clockwise to make offerings. Kakusandha was the first Budhha. He is said to have lived in India for 32,000 years. His shrine is located on the eastern side of the site and contains his walking stick. The shrine also contains carvings depicting important events in his life.

Konagamana was the second Buddha, and his shrine is located on the southern side. Inside his shrine is an important artifact, a water filter. The devotees can make offerings here, as in the other shrines, in the form of lighted candles, flowers or incense. This shrine is also opulently decorated with golden elements.

The third Buddha, Kassapa, is honored in his shrine. His robe is also displayed here. In the north is the Gautama Buddha shrine. The fact that the Shwedagon Pagoda has relics of not one but all four Buddhas is a special characteristic and reason for the exceptional status and significance.