The mountain of gold Myanmar has been called The Land of Gold, and that is not surprising at all when you consider just how beautifully the capital city sparkles. Giant, golden and glittering pagodas will take your breath away in this friendly city. Also, Myanmar is well known for its lovely jewels. In the heart of capital city Yangon, the Bogyoke Aung San Market offers travelers a stunning array of jewel choices. Here they will find gold, rubies, sapphires, jade and other precious stones sold by the thousands. All other manners of hand-crafted goods are available, too, to delight any shopper. Myanmar is a densely populated land with a population of approximately 48 million people. The capital city of Yangon itself boasts a population of 5 million. The people of the land are predominantly Buddhist, though there are many other ethnic groups represented. All in all, there are 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar, each possessing their own proud culture and language. In the green, tree-lined streets of Yangon you will find all these hospitable people and places, and you will find other things as well. You will find food that has been described as some of the best in the world. And you will find the glittering and vast Shwedagon Pagoda, full of history, spirituality and lore. The Shwedagon Pagoda If you are lucky enough to be planning a trip to Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, then you are very lucky indeed. This is a country rich in culture, history, sacred sights, scenic wonders and personality. You will surely enjoy your travels to this region. No matter how many enjoyable people you meet, or how many lovely places you visit, though, your trip will not be complete until you view the Shwedagon Pagoda. Sitting high atop the sacred shrine of Singuttara Hill, housing relics of The Buddha and three Buddhas that preceded him, encased in gold and in jewels, the Shwedagon pagoda is a wonder to see. The beauty if the architecture and design will take your breath away, as will the sparkling, light catching jewels. This wondrous holy place, filled with history and legend, is not to be missed on your journey
Maha Myat Muni Pagoda It is the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. It is also known as the Maha Myat Muni, or Phaya Gyi. It is the most ancient Buddha image in Myanmar. It was cast in the life-span of Lord Buddha in the seated posture of relaxed deportment, namely Bumi Phasa Mudras, symbolic of His Conquest of Mara. Front view of the Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image In B.C 123, in the reign of King Sanda Thuriya, Monarch of Rakhine-Dharyawaddy, and carry the Image reverently so as to enshrine it at the present site. It took four months to carry the image reverently across the Rakhine Yoma Ranges, by inland route and by waterway a tough and rough journey indeed. The Height of the Maha Muni Buddha Image is 8 Cubits and 1 Maik ( 3.83m ). The altar is 2.13m high. There, 2 bronze Siamese images, 3 bronze lion images and 1 bronze three headed Ayeyawun elephants are housed and displayed in the precinct on the left side of the northern exit passage. Whoever visits Mandalay from local areas or from abroad unfailingly come and pay homage to the Maha Muni Buddha Image. The Buddha image is covered with gold and the coating of gold thickness is 5.9 in In the precinct of the Phayagyi is located the " Maha Buddha-Win Beikman ", the Museum of the Life of Buddha. It is a many-tiered building with Myanmar architectural finials. It houses a scenic map showing in old and current terms the spread of Theravada Buddhism, centered in central India, Buddha's birthplace, famous religious edifices in various lands, the routes of Lord Buddha on itinerary, and the routes of King Asoka's sending Buddhist missions to nine regions of nine countries in A.D 3rd century. Illustrations are displayed, which indicate the Four Noble Sites of Lord Buddha, namely, His birthplace, the site where He attained the Enlightenment, the site where he passed away. The Buddha Images, representing various countries where Buddhism prospers well, and the Buddha Images revered through successive eras are exhibited in the forms of photographs, paintings and sculptures. Not only Buddhists but also foreigners studying Buddhism pay a visit to this museum. On the left side of the eastern passage, in the precinct of the pagoda, is the Sanctuary Pond of Tortoises and on the right side, the Sanctuary Pond of Fish.
Mya Tha Lon Pagoda(Magwe) Magwe Town, Myanmar, The Mya Thalon Pagoda can be seem from the mid river Ayeyarwady as it exist on the edge of the steep bank of the river at Magway, a capital. It is one of the pagoda which has the legend connected with the Lord. Buddha . He came to Legging in sunaparanta country in old days. The emerald cot on which the sort rested was enshrined in the pagoda. It had been constructed since then. The name derived from the emerald cot, Mya Thalon in Myanmar Language. You can have a very beautiful scenery beyond the river from the precise of the golden stupa. The rivers lies below. The town in well known for that Pagoda. The holograms to the up country always stop at Magway to pay homage to that pagoda and buy famous brass ware at the pagoda stalls. The scissors and ventil cutter are the wellknown handicrafts produced locally. The festival of the pagoda is usually held in the month of Thadingyut (October) and east for many days. The trustee lord holds a series of the article performances for the audience from all parts of the country. Magway can be reached by rail or road and also by waterways. It is 378 mile from Towndwingyi. The town is renovated to be a suitable place for the capital of the division. The town become the centre of travel in up country and the bridge crossing the river from there to Minbu, a starting place to Shwesettaw, will be constructed in course of time.
hwe Maw Daw Pagoda Shwe Maw Daw pagoda, north of the town, is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar. It is taller but similar in style to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Yangon. The pagoda was originally built to a height of 23 m to enshrine two hairs of Buddha. In 825 AD, it was raised to 25 m and then to 27 m in 840 AD. In 982, a sacred tooth was added to the collection; in 1385, another tooth was added and the pagoda was rebuilt to a towering of 84 m. In 1492, a wind blew down the Hti (Glorious Crown) and a new one was installed. King Bo-daw-paya, in the reconstruction of Bago, rebuilt the Pagoda to 91 m in 1796, but from that point it has gained great veneration. A new Hti was replaced in 1882, but a major earthquake in 1912 brought the Hti down and caused serious damage. Again it was repaired, but in 1930 the severest quake of them all completely leveled the pagoda and for the next 20 years only the huge earth mound of the based remained. After Independence, reconstruction of the Shwe Maw Daw commenced in 1952 and was completed in 1954, to the present height. The glittering golden top of the pagoda is 14 m higher than the Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Yangon. Shady trees around the base make it a pleasant place to stroll or simply sit and watch the pilgrims from all walks of life. At the north-east corner of the pagoda is a huge section of the Hti toppled by the 1930 earthquake is still left on the structure of the pagoda. The ancient images of bronze and stone found in the damaged section are put on display in the Museum of the Pagoda. The platform of the pagoda is reached by a covered walkway lined with stalls with interesting collections of antiques, all sizes of statues made of different kinds of wood, lacquer ware and earthenware.
Mya Thein Dan Pagoda This Pagoda's architecture does not conform to the prototype of pagodas and is in close proximity of the big bell. It is also called Hsinbyume pagoda because it was built by Bagyidaw in 1816 before he ascended the throne in commemoration of the death of his chief queen Hinbyume. It's designer presents the Buddhist cosmology Sulamani Pagoda on the Legendary Mount Meru in Tavatimsa, the Celestial abode of the chief spirit, Indra. Seven concentric terraces represent seven mountain ranges going up to the Mount Meru. At four cardinal points are four flights of steps leading to the top stupa. The marble figures in the niches of the balustrades are the mythical monsters guarding Mount Meru.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is the jewel of the Shan State, famous for its unique one-leg rowers, floating villages and colorful market. Inlay silk woven by hand looms. The enchanting lake on the Shan plateau is located about 30 km to the south of Taunggyi, sheltered by 1500 m high mountains ad covering 145 km. The lake itself is situated at 900 m above sea level. Accessible by raod or rail. It is about 15 hours drive from Yangon across the countryside.
Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda & its images Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda is in Namhu Village, Innlay, Nyaungshwe, and southern Shan State. The story has it that King Alaungsithu once came near the foot of Zabu Thabyi tree while on tour in the country. At that time an ogress looking on from the bank with a child in the river. The king struck the water with his Yamahta cane whereupon the nat of the water saved the child and placed it before the king.
Shitthoung Pagoda It stands on a promontory half way up to the west side of a hillock named Phokhaung Taung. The donor of the Shitthaung was Minbargyi, the most powerful king of the Mrauk U Dynasty. The King built this remarkable Pagoda in 1535 A.D after the successful defence against t he Portuguese attack on the City of Mrauk U. The skill and art displayed in its construction and ornamentation are remarkable. Besides, we may observe here about the maze-like layout of this pagoda. In the accounts of this curious plan, some foreigners remarked that the Shitthaung Pagoda was built alike a fortress. The real purpose of the pagoda was for prayer, some rituals of initiation, and some of the King’s ceremonies, which were usually held secretly. It was constructed six feet thick of solid sandstone and like "rock cave tunnel". No mortar was used in the construction and stones were connected with stone brackets
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) This mystical pagoda stands on a golden gilded boulder, precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 1100km above sea-level. Kyaikhto, the town at the foot of the hill, is about 160km from Yangon. It is an 11kilometer uphill climb for the hikers from Kinpun base camp. There is also a steep winding road for 4-wheel drive cars from the base to the nearest point of the pagodas. There are many legends about the Pagoda and the 'nats' or 'spirits'. Kyaikhto Hotel and Golden Rock Hotel have modern facilities for tourists.
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