In Buddhism, a stupa is a mound-like structure usually containing relics of Buddhist monks or nuns. Kakku Pagodas in Myanmar is a stupa or pagoda complex that consists of 2,478 needle stick pagodas aligned in a square field. While most of the pagodas were built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the largest was built in the 12th century when the original pagoda collection was extended by King Alaungsithu. Moreover, some of the pagodas are believed to have been built in the 3rd century BC by the Indian Emperor Ashoka.
The site of Kakku Pagodas may date back over 2000 years ago.
Kakku Pagodas is a meditation site for the Pa’O people, the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State. Unfortunately, it has recently suffered destruction from severe weather and earthquakes and has gone through extensive restoration. Most of the brick and stucco adorning the old structures has crumbled off while some of them also have trees growing out of them.
