Myanmar people are devotees of Buddhism. In any city or town, you will also encounter at least one Buddhist temple and monastery. Overall, there are thousands of temples, pagodas or towers scattered throughout the country. Therefore, Myanmar is now known as the Temple Tower country. If you are a Buddhist or simply want to learn about the culture and architecture of this country, you definitely have to visit five famous sacred temples as following:
1. Shwedagon Pagoda
Located in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar's largest, most beautiful and sacred temple. Built 2,500 years ago, the pagoda has gradually expanded after renovations of Burmese feudal dynasties. The temple is famous for preserving four sacred treasures for the followers of Buddhism: Kakusandha’ staff, a piece of the robe of Kassapa, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, and eight strands of hair from the head of Gautama.
The temple complex consists of 1,000 monuments surrounding the central tower. Of which there are 72 stone temples with Buddha statues inside. Particularly, the interior of the temple has been carved sophisticated, periodic with about 8,690 leaves in a very thin gold leaf. The entire temple is adorned with 5,450 diamonds and 2,320 rubies and emeralds. The temple has long been a pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers in Myanmar. If you come to this country, go to Shwedagon and you will not be disappointed.
2. Kyaikhtiyo temple
Kyaikhtiyo Temple or Golden Rock temple was built in 574 BCE. This is considered one of the wonders of Southeast Asia. The temples and shrines are located on a large gold-plated rock lying on the cliffs at the height of 1,100m, which is believed to be handed down by the Buddha's hair so it does not collapse.
Kyaikhtiyo temple has many Buddha statues placed around the corners. In particular, some of the Buddha statues are inlaid with thousands of precious stones, several hundred diamonds with hundreds of gold bells. The temple with its unique architecture attracts many visitors to visit and be regarded as treasures of Myanmar.
3. Shwemawdaw Paya Monastery
This is the highest temple in Myanmar with a height of 114m. After 1000 years of history, the temple has become a great significance to the people. The temple is a beautiful architecture with Buddhist features with stupas, Buddhist scriptures and many Buddhist relics.
There is no need to come near to see the Shwemawdaw Paya temple. It is visible from a distance away because the temple always glitters with golden colour. Inside the temple, there are also many golden Buddha statues. If you have traveled to Myanmar but ignored this temple, it is regrettable.
4. Kuthodaw Temple
Peacefully located at the foot of Mount Mandalay is the ancient Kuthodaw temple built from the reign of King Mindon. This is a population consisting of the main temple and many small temple towers. The special feature that attracts many tourists to the pagoda is the existence of the largest stone book in the world. This book has 1,460 pages created by many small gems in the caves. To read and understand this book it is estimated that it will take 3 600 hours equivalent to about 150 days of continuous hardworking.
5. Sule Temple
Located in the center of Yangon, Sule temple is known as one of the most sacred temples in Myanmar. During the late twentieth century, Sule temple was once the political center of the country.
Sule temple has octagonal architecture up to the top of the tower and is characterized by Mon ethnic style. The interior details at the temple are carved sophisticatedly and splendidly that visitors are always be overwhelmed. Contrasting with the other Buddhist buildings of Myanmar, this temple contains the breath of modern times interspersed with the ancient features dating back 2,500 years ago. To visit this temple, you will feel your soul peaceful and relaxed.
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