Ratanabon Pagoda

Solid 'pile of jewels' stupa surrounded by eight smaller stupas

Just north of Shite-thaung, Ratanabon ("pile of jewels") is a solid stone stupa surrounded by eight smaller satellite stupas. It was built in 1612 by Queen Shin Htway, wife of King Min Khamaung, and is unusual in Mrauk-U for being a true stupa rather than a temple — no inner chambers, just a tapering tower in dark stone.

The pagoda was damaged in the 1990s by treasure-hunters who blew a hole through one side looking for relics; the gap has not been repaired and is part of its character. The setting on the wooded hillside, with the smaller stupas catching the morning light, is one of the most picturesque corners of the site.

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