Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( daylight hours)
The name of this hilltop temple can be interpreted as meaning
'holding control of the people', and its 29 niches with sitting buddha statues are a refer-
ence to Mrauk U's 29 former townships.
Sakyamanaung Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
( daylight hours)
Roughly half a mile northeast of the palace walls, and behind
Shwegudaung hill, this graceful Mon-influenced
zedi
was erected in 1629 by King
Thirithudhammaraza. At this later stage, stupas were built more vertically and ornately
than before.
The lower half of the well-preserved 280ft
zedi
features a multitiered octagonal shape
as at Laungbanpyauk Paya, but beyond this the bells revert to a layered circular shape
mounted by a decorative
hti
(umbrella-like top). You'll see brightly painted, half- kneel-
ing giants at the west gate.
(
day-
light hours)
offers fine views.
Palace Site & Around
Just east of the main strip of Mrauk U village, the one-time royal palace of Mrauk U now
is mostly crumbling walls (though the outer walls still stand 11.5ft high).
According to the legend, King Minbin's astrologers advised a move here in 1429 after
the palace at Launggret had been invaded by 'poisonous snakes and evil birds'. His rep-
resentatives witnessed some strange things at this spot - an old guy playing a flute poin-
ted to a cat-chasing rat and then a snake-biting frog - apparently suggesting its soil as be-
ing worthy of a king. Construction began in 1430 (though some sources say it didn't start
until 1553).
Palace Museum
MUSEUM
MAP
(admission K5000; 10am-4pm Sun-Tue)
Just inside the palace's western walls is the De-
partment of Archaeology's insufficiently illuminated but worthwhile museum. Inside,
you'll find an interesting selection of buddha images, inscribed stone slabs, cannons,
floor tiles, Wethali-era coins and a helpful model of the Mrauk U site. Old photos on the
walls include a pre- restoration shot of Ratanabon's crack. Items are signed in English,
