The three pagodas are not as visited by tourists as the Shwedagon or the Sule pagodas but are absolutely worth a visit. First the Kyaukhtatgyi is home of a 229-foot long reclining Buddha statue. Almost across the street from the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, is the Nga that gyi Pagoda which contains the 5-story high sitting Buddha. The Botataung is near the Yangon river and is 2500 years old.
The fist image is the interior of the Botataung pagoda. It’s a maze of walls made of gold plates where people come and pray. It is believed that the pagoda was erected some 2500 years ago by the Mon tribe. However the pagoda was completely destroyed by a RAF raid in 1943. The pagoda rebuilding process started on the same day that the country gained independence from the UK: 4 January 1948.
The two other pagodas I have visited are famous for their Buddha. First, the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, also called Chauk Htat Kyi Pagoda, is the pagoda which contains the world’s largest Buddha statue. The statue is about 70 meters long. Yet, despite its size, the Buddha lines are very precise and smooth. Specifically the details in his face, eyes and feet are amazing.
Buddha statue at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda.
Buddha statue at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda.
Across the street is the Nga that gyi Pagoda which has a sitting Buddha. Maybe it was luck but the sun was shining straight at the Buddha when we arrived. I love the simple composition of those two women and the Buddha.
The five-story tall buddha of Nga that gyi Pagoda
While we were all busy trying to compose the image shown above, a reporter was here and took pictures of us. We did not see him but imagine our surprise when we found this photo in the next day paper. In the picture, there is Yasmina, Tuan, John (our local guide) and myself.
Local news clipping showing us at the Nga that gyi Pagoda.
This is my last post about Yangon. Following Yangon, we flew to Bagan and my next blog will be about Bagan’s amazing vista. I can tell you immediately, we did not stay long enough in Bagan.
In the same category:Shwedagon pagoda, Sule Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake
All the images presented here are available for licensing or as fine art prints.