The Mingun Pagoda, locally referred to as Mingun Pahtodawgyi, is located at the bank of the Irrawaddy River, about 10 kilometers upstream from Mandalay (fig.).

Commissioned by King Bodawpaya, its construction started in 1790 AD, but it was never completed and is now in ruins, in part due to the earthquake of 23 March 1839.

The entrance to what had to become the largest stupa in the world, but is now nicknamed the world's largest pile of bricks, is guarded by two colossal lions, but those now also lay in ruins.

It is alleged that the building was halted when astrologers predicted that the king would die upon completion of the stupa.