Myanmar is a cultural hub in the east. Attracting many young and old tourists there are many historically important sites spread across the country. Thus, many a Yangon Hotel is kept busy with this high influx of tourist arrivals. Among the many temples located in the city, one of the most revered temples is Botataung Paya. The 40m high Pagoda is home to a scared hair relic of Lord Buddha. The Pagoda is believed to have been created 2500 years ago. However there was damage caused to the pagoda due to an air-force bombing during the world war II. Reconstruction started in 1948 to match the original design. If you’re planning on visiting the temple and is in search of good accommodation, you can consider staying at the renowned Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon as the hotel is located within a convenient 15 minutes distance to Botataung Paya.
On the central tiled platform, the main stupa stands proudly surrounded by many small stupas. The main stupa is the one that is home to the sacred relic and is hollow and open to the public. The name of the pagoda too has an interesting origin -the name means Botataung means 1,000 military leaders. The name was given as 2000 years ago eight hair relics were brought to Yangon from India and 1000 military guards paid respect to them. Later the rest of the seven hair relics were sent to various pagods with only one remaining.
The structure of the main stupa is different from the rest as it is hollow and public could walk through it. There are glass chambers as you walk through which show case ancient artefacts and antiques.
The Pagoda is located in the Southern part of Yangon and faces the Yangon river. If you visit Yangon it is worth paying a visit here.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
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