The main entrance to Kaunghmudaw Phaya, i.e. a Buddhist temple in Sagaing with a large dome-shaped zedi, is guarded by two large chintha.

The design of this 46 meters high zedi is modeled after some of the traditional cetiya found in Sri Lanka and India.

On the lower edge, the stupa is encircled by 802 stone lanterns, each carved with inscriptions describing episodes from the life of the Buddha in three languages, namely Burmese, Mon and Shan.

At the base, the stupa with a circumference of 274 meters, is surrounded by 120 niches, each of which contains a nat-like guardian spirit.

This guardian figure, seated in the lotus position, is wearing a golden chadah-style crown, and holding a sword in one hand and a lotus flower in the other.

At the northern entrance is a large water basin with fish and turtles, which visitors come to feed to gain merit.