Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mrauk U royal hairstyles, and drawings illustrating key moves you may need for
Rakhine wrestling. The second floor features diagrams and artefacts that detail Rakhine's
origins (around 3000 BC) and four key periods (Dhanyawadi, Vesali, Lemro and Mrauk
U), complete with useful renderings and models.
Maka Kuthala Kyaungdawgyi
MUSEUM
(Main Rd; 6am-7pm)
Monk U Bhaddanta Wannita spent 49 years collecting old
coins and buddha images from monasteries to protect them from thieves. Some of his
collection is displayed in his former monastery, which is housed in a grand, century-old
British colonial mansion just north of the centre. The dusty, eclectic museum contains
cases of old banknotes, buddhas and votives (candleholders) and coins from the Mrauk U
and other ancient periods, plus many bone relics of head monks, kept in small tins.
Shwezedi Kyaung
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(U Ottama St; daylight hours)
Partly housed in a picturesque, ramshackle
colonial-era building on a backstreet, this was the monastery of U Ashin Ottama
(1880-1939), a leader of the Burmese independence movement during British colonial
rule, who died during imprisonment for his political activities. In September 2007,
monks at this monastery followed in his footsteps and took part in the protest marches
then happening across the country. More recently, in 2012, the monastery served as a
shelter for those displaced by the anti-Muslim riots.
Lokananda Paya
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(May Yu St; daylight hours)
You can't miss this big golden pagoda between the
airport and the centre. Its gilded, cavernous worship hall held aloft by decorated pillars is
pretty spectacular.
On the west side of the compound is a small ordination hall, which houses the in-
triguing Sachamuni Image, a bronze buddha, the surface of which is entirely encrusted
with mini-buddhas. Apparently the image dates from 24 BC and is said to have been
found by Mrauk U fishermen.
Jama Mosque
MOSQUE
(Main Rd)
This impressive 1859 building could have been ripped out the pages of
Arabian
Nights
. Sadly, since the 2012 riots, it's been strictly off-limits (there were armed guards
protecting it when we were in town) and has fallen even further into disrepair.
