Joanna James
The sight of gold-plated temple roofs shimmering in the sun and diamond and ruby-crusted statues adding to the magical ambience is something you should not miss out on when experiencing Myanmar. Sacred Buddhist temples are an integral part of Myanmar's culture. Each temple seems to have grown into its own story over the years, and travellers are invariably drawn to these tales. In this article, we discuss 8 of Myanmar's top temples.
Nestled on the Singuttara Hill in Yangon Shwedagon Pagoda enshrines (according to local chronicles) Buddha's hair and a few other holy relics. This beautiful temple is located not too far away from many a city hotel in Yangon. For example, you can reach Shwedagon Pagoda within five minutes from PARKROYAL Yangon. The entire premise is a testament to the luxurious abundance of the era (1057), with the many-hued temples, stupas, and precious stone-encrusted statues amidst nature's greenery. At Shwedagon Pagoda, you'll encounter monks washing statues, offering fragrant flowers in devotion and meditating. Try to get there in time to catch the sublime sunset.
The gilded shikara is Ananda Pahto's most striking feature. You can see the shikara's reflection from miles away across the Bagan plains. It was one of the first-ever great temples in Bagan (an ancient city in Myanmar). The temple marks the Tharabar gate, the only remaining gate from the 12 that provided access to Bagan city in the yesteryears. The temple's architectural style demonstrates the Mon and North Indian influence. The temple grounds pay tribute to the beautiful designs as it sinks into a mystical charm after dusk.
A sublime temple with gilded stupas, the Lawkaoushaung Temple hovers above the tree line. You can catch a 360-degree view of the Myinkaba plain from atop. Make your visit in the early morning to catch glimpses of the morning mist. You need to be at the temple by 5 am to catch the sun's many-hued greetings.
A sacred pilgrimage site to the people of Myanmar, Pindaya Cave is home to over 8,000 Buddha statues and other relics. It is a decent hike to the top, and the scenic views are breath-taking.
You can visit the shimmering golden-hued towers of Shwezigon Paya pagoda by hot air balloon. 'Makara's' (sea dragons of eastern mythology) guard the stairway to the centre. The terraces are made with glazed terra-cotta plaques that tell tales from the 'jataka' tales from Buddhist literature. At the main entrance to the temple, you'll find an enormous white lion – standing guard faithfully.
Nestled inside a cave, the Shwe Oo Min Paya Pagoda shelters a history of over 500 years and 8,094 Buddha statues. The winding series of natural caves and tunnels are full of Buddha images. The limestone ridge that flanks the temple rises above the Pone Taloke Lake.
Set atop an altitude of 3,615 m above sea level, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is complete with a gold-plated stupa placed on a massive boulder. It looks precariously close to falling off at a moment's notice.
The 4-meter tall Buddha statue at the Mahamuni Paya Temple is about 2000 years old. Once covered in gold leaf, the statue stands in silent testament to the Buddha's truth of importance and change.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
