One of Myanmar’s most sought-after attractions would be the Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha in Yangon. This sacred landmark is awe-inspiring not only to devotees but tourists as well.
Image by Adriano Farina via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha
The colossal statue was built in the 20th century, the project was funded by Buddhist faithful and foreign tourists. The statue is painted in gold, white and red. The body of the Buddha is stark white while the robes that are draped across are gold. Underneath the Buddha’s feet is red with intricate golden designs.
More facts
The huge monument is placed under a huge stand to fit its size of 195 feet in length and 100 feet from the cushion to the halo on the Buddha’s head. The maintenance of the statue amounts to a large sum, funds collected are used to provide education for about 300 monks in Ashay Tawya monastery in the same compound.
Worshippers ritual
Around the main statue are other Buddha statues. Each Buddha belongs to each day of the week. The eastern astrological calendar suggests there are eight days for a week. Wednesday is counted as 2 days here. The faithful who visit will worship the big statue first offering candles and flowers. Next, they move onto the Buddha of their birthdate.
Another enormous statue
If you are lodged in a hotel in Yagon, the likes of Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon perhaps, Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha is an attraction that you just cannot miss! Situated close by is Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda which is another large structure of a seated Buddha. The statues are more than just attractions, in fact, they bring out the local culture and the essence of Buddhism!
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+