Compared to places like Sule Paya and Shwadagon, Botataung has a better vibe as it isn’t all that crowded throughout the year.
About
Thousand military heads helped move hair relics of Lord Buddha to Myanmar from India about 2,000 years ago, and to honour their deed, this temple was named after them. The eight strands that were brought in called this Paya their home for about six months, after which they were distributed to various locations. After the war made its impact on the structure, the Paya had to be rebuilt, and it was done so in a style similar to the original building, except for one difference. Whereas other zedis are solid, the one in Botataung is hollow, meaning one can walk through it.
What to expect
Any hotel in Yangon will direct you to the Botataung Paya with ease, and if you are staying close to the lake at a place like Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, then the Paya is just a short drive away. Within the temple, you can also find images of the Hindu goddess Saraswati and of Indra, the king of nat. Further down the path, there is a turtle pool too, and if you are lucky, you’d spot a giant turtle among the many tinier ones.
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+
