Last month, Myanmar was rocked by a devastating earthquake. The disaster on March 28 claimed thousands of lives and left over 60,000 people homeless, forcing them into refugee camps. Amidst this humanitarian crisis, the loss of historical and cultural heritage has received less attention.
Across Myanmar, sacred Buddhist structures — towering temples and gleaming white pagodas — have been reduced to rubble by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake. These sites, considered symbols of sanctity by the Burmese people, suffered extensive damage.
At the Nagayo Pagoda, the revered figure of a mythical serpent protecting the Buddha collapsed. According to legend, this serpent shielded Buddha after his enlightenment. Khin Sein, 83, who regularly prayed at this nearly 200-year-old pagoda, sought protection during the quake. However, her son later confirmed that the pagoda was destroyed.
The ruling junta reported that over 3,000 monasteries and more than 5,000 pagodas were damaged. Ancient cities like Mandalay, Sagaing, and Inwa, located near the quake’s epicenter, have turned into ruins. These cities are central to Burmese history.
In 1885, British colonial rule began after they captured Myanmar’s last king in Mandalay. Today, the ornate walls of the ancient royal palace have collapsed, and many historic stupas have crumbled.
In Sagaing, a one-kilometer-long colonial-era bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsed. Areas once filled with towering pagodas and temples now lie in ruins or have completely disappeared.
Before being severely damaged by an 8.2 magnitude earthquake in 1839, Inwa served as Myanmar’s capital for nearly 360 years. Officials now report that three-quarters of Inwa’s cultural heritage was destroyed in last month’s quake.
Thura Nanda, a 49-year-old monk, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling the ancient monuments invaluable treasures. He believes that even if these sites are restored, the original essence can never be fully recaptured. He added that the destruction of Myanmar’s cultural diversity is a tragedy for all humanity, not just Myanmar.
Myanmar, a nation long accustomed to violence and destruction, now faces another catastrophe. Over four years of conflict have already displaced at least 3.5 million people, pushing half the population into poverty.
However, Thein Myint Ko believes that last month’s earthquake has surpassed all previous devastations. Surveying damage at the Lawka Tharaphu Pagoda, he said, “In my 65 years, I have never witnessed such a tragedy.”
In a miraculous event, an eight-meter-tall marble Buddha statue at the pagoda survived mostly intact. Although there are minor cracks at the base, the serene expression of the Buddha remains untouched. A worker clearing the rubble remarked, “No one was hurt here. The Buddha remains unharmed. This pagoda must be blessed!”