The Muchalinda Pagoda in Bago is topped by a gilded bell-shaped stupa, said to represent the Tavatimsa heaven on Mt. Meru, while its seven terraced levels are said to represent the seven mountain ranges that surround Mt. Meru.

Each terrace has a balcony which is connected by four corridors with stairways, one on each side of the compass. The pagoda is modeled after the larger Hsinbyume Pagoda in Mingun (fig.). Yet, whereas the waves on the terraces in the latter symbolize the seven seas that surround Mt. Meru according to Buddhist cosmology, the wavy design is here said to also symbolize the snake-like form of the Naga King after whom this zedi is named.

At the top level balcony is an image of the Buddha, seated in the lotus position and performing a bhumisparsa mudra.