Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spectacles were first added to the image during the Konbaung era, when a nobleman
offered them to the temple in an attempt to stimulate local faith through curiosity. Word
soon spread that the bespectacled buddha had the power to cure all ills, especially afflic-
tions linked to the eyes. The first pair of spectacles was stolen at an early stage, and a
second pair was made and enshrined inside the image to protect it from thieves.
An English officer stationed in Pyay during the colonial era had a third pair fitted over
the buddha's eyes after his wife suffered from eye trouble and the abbot suggested such a
donation. Naturally, as the story goes, she was cured. This pair is now in a small shrine to
the right of the image.
On the southern side of Shwedaung, about 3 miles (5km) from Shwemyetman, is the
attractive hilltop
Shwenattaung Paya
(Golden Spirit Mountain), which reportedly dates
back to the Thayekhittaya era. Among the many images of buddha is a serene one carved
from marble. A large
paya pwe
(pagoda festival) is held here each year on the full moon
of Tabaung (February/March).
To get to Shwedaung, hop on a pick-up truck headed towards Yangon. Pick-up trucks
leave frequently from the Pyay bus station and pass by the Aung San statue before hitting
the highway.
Akauk Taung
Carved into cliffs overlooking the Ayeyarwady, about 19 miles (30.5km) downstream
from Pyay, are dozens of buddha images at Akauk Taung (Tax Mountain). The mountain
is named for the crafty toll-takers from the mid-19th century, who spent the hours
between taxing boats carving reclining and meditating buddhas into the steep cliff.
To get there, you'll need to taxi across the Ayeyarwady to
Htonbo
, a village about 90
minutes by road from Pyay, then hire a boat (about K15,000) for the 45-minute look. To
do so, you must bring a copy of your passport or visa to show the
strict
immigration of-
ficers in Htonbo.
For some visitors, it's too much travel for minimal payoff. A return taxi to Htonbo
from Pyay (sometimes with Shwedaung thrown in) takes around two hours one-way and
costs about K30,000 for the round trip.
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