Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most interesting Buddha statue?
The most marvellous is the Sanda Muhni (
Click here
)
. I believe it was originally in
the palace because the colour and texture suggest that the amount of gold used
was generous.
East Group
This area stretches about a mile east of the palace walls.
Kothaung Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
( daylight hours)
One of Mrauk U's highlights, Kothaung Paya is also Mrauk U's
largest temple. It was built in 1553 by King Minbin's son, King Mintaikkha, to outdo his
pop's Shittaung by 10,000 images ('Kothaung' means 'Shrine of 90,000 Images').
Kothaung Paya is located a mile or so east of the palace; follow the road directly north
of the market, veering left on the much smaller road before the bridge.
Much of Kothaung Paya was found in fragments. Legends vary - that lightning or an
earthquake in 1776 destroyed it, jewel- seekers overturned walls, or that it was built with
inferior stones by a superstitious king bent on beating a six-month timeline. Regardless,
the structure as it looks today is the result of a rather heavy-handed 1996 reconstruction.
Recalling Borobudur in Indonesia, the exterior is coated with bell-like stone stupas. The
90,000 images in question line the outer passageway, the entrances to which are guarded
by grimacing ogres. Stairways lead up to a top terrace, once dotted with 108 stupas.
Peisi Daung Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
( daylight hours)
On a hilltop sits this unrestored four-door pagoda thought to
predate the Mrauk U period. Climb to the top, push your way past the rubble and cob-
webs and inside you'll find four sandstone buddha images, three of which have marble
eyes - ostensibly added later by merit-seeking monks. The view from the top, of seem-
ingly endless hillocks that allegedly were each home to some sort of Buddhist monu-
ment, puts Mrauk U's former wealth and glory in perspective.
Pharaouk Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
