Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
( daylight hours)
Built by King Minphalaung in 1571, Dukkanthein Paya smacks
of a bunker (with stupas). Wide stone steps lead up the south and east side of the building
considered to be an ordination hall; take the east side steps to reach the entrance.
The interior features spiralling cloisters lined with images of buddhas and common
people (such as landlords, governors, officials and their spouses) sporting all of
Mrauk
U's 64 traditional hairstyles
. The passageway nearly encircles the centre three times be-
fore reaching the sun-drenched buddha image.
looks a bit like a squashed-up version of the Dukkanthein, but was actually built 140
years earlier, making it the oldest temple of the Mrauk U period.
Mahabodhi Shwegu
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
( daylight hours)
The highlight of this squat, little-visited temple is its passage-
way with bas-relief illustrations of the tribumi - Buddhist visions of heaven, earth and
hell - including acrobats, worshippers and animals. At the end there's a 6ft central
buddha and four buddhas in niches; the throne of the former includes some erotic
carvings.
Mahabodhi Shwegu is largely hidden behind shrubbery on a hilltop northeast of
Ratanabon Paya. To get here, proceed up the barely discernible uphill path that starts be-
hind the covered water well.
, two adjacent hilltop stupas, are the result of recent and extensive restoration.
Ratanabon Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
( daylight hours)
This massive stupa (sometimes called Yadanapon) is ringed by
24 smaller stupas. It was apparently built by Queen Shin Htway in 1612. During WWII a
bomb nailed it, but it had already been picked at by treasure hunters attracted by the
name, which means 'accumulation of treasure'. Renovations later repaired the enormous
bomb-made crack and reinserted the tall
chattra
(spire).
Laungbanpyauk Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
