DESIGN

From its base, the zedi rises first in three terraces, then in the 'octagonal' terraces and then in five circular bands- together these elements add another 30 meters to the stupa's height. This is a normal solution to a standard architectural problem associated with stupas- how to change from the square base to the circular upper element. Here, as in many other Burmese zedis, the transition is achieved with the help of the octagonal sections, which make a step between the square and the circle. Similarly, the circular bands make a transition from the horizontal design of these lower elements to the smooth vertical flow of the bell. Earlier stupas were commonly hemispherical. The more graceful bell design of the Schwedagon Paya is a comparatively recent development. The shoulder of the bell is decorated with 16 'flowers'. The bell is topped by the 'inverted bowl', another traditonal element of stupa architecture, and above this stand the mouldings and then the 'lotus petals'. These consist of a band of down-turned lotus petals followed by a band of up-turned petals.   The banana bud is the final element of the zedi before the hti that tops it. Like the lotus petals below, the banana bud is actually covered with no less than 13,153 plates of gold measuring 30 sq cm each- unlike the lower elements which are merely covered with gold leaf. The seven-tiered hti is made of iron and again plated with gold. Even without the various hanging bells it weighs well over a tonne. The seven tiers taper progressively and from he uppermost tier projects the shaft on which are hung gold bells, silver bells and various items of jewellery. The topmost vane with its flag turns with the wind. It is gold and silver plated and studded with 1100 diamonds totaling 278 carats- not to mention 1383 other stones. Finally at the very top of the vane rests the diamonds orb- a hollow golden sphere studded with no less than 4351 diamonds weighing 1800 carats in all. The very top of the orb is tipped with a single 76-carat diamond.