This is the Hsinbyume or Hyatheindan Pagoda on Mingun Island. It is one of the prettiest pagodas in Burma, and is featured on the cover page of the Lonely Planet travel guidebook on Myanmar sold in Singapore.

The pagoda was built in 1816 by King Bodawpaya's grandson, Bagyidaw, as a memorial to his favourite wife, Princess Hsinbyume. The temple's architecture is founded in Burmese cosmology, according to which the king of the gods lives on the top of the legendary Mount Meru in the centre of the universe, surrounded by seven tiers of mountains. Hence, the Hsinbyume Pagoda has seven concentric terraces with wave-like parapets leading to the central stupa, which is guarded by five kinds of mythical monsters placed in niches around the terraces.

Knowing that we were enthusiastic photographers, our hard-working local guide had arranged for some novice monks to pose for us as subjects in the photographs. But I think it is a case of far too many monks spoiling the picture, when one monk would be sufficient for the purpose.