Top 10 Best Buddhist Temples in Burma
Myanmar is home to many Buddhist temples, each a masterpiece of architecture and spiritual devotion. In this exploration, we take a closer look at some of the ... read more...best Buddhist temples in Burma, each with its own unique story to tell.
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In Mon State, Burma, there's a special place called the Golden Rock, also known as Kyaik Htee Yo Pagoda. It's a symbol of the country's rich religious history.
In Mon, "Kyaiktiyo" means "pagoda held by a hermit." People built it a long time ago, in 574 BC. Many folks come here on a journey, attracted by its magical feel and spiritual importance. Atop a big, egg-shaped rock, the pagoda gently sits on the edge of a tall mountain, about 1100 meters high, with a gap in between. A nice bridge connects the pagoda to the mountain, making a stunning view that catches visitors' eyes.
The main attraction is a 7.6-meter-tall rock with a gilded pagoda on top. It's said to house a strand of the Buddha's hair. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Five Thousand Lights Festival, held in January at Mount Kyaiktiyo, features food offerings and candle lighting at night. The candles transform the mountaintop into a radiant display that everyone loves.
When pilgrims visit the Kyaik Htee Yo Pagoda, they pray and put golden leaves on the rock as a sign of respect. There's also a nearby village with restaurants, gift shops, and guest houses, giving pilgrims a complete experience. For those wanting the best view, a new terrace on a lower level offers a wide perspective of the rock and pagoda, making the pilgrimage journey feel complete.
Time: 5 AM to 6 PM
Phone: 95 57 60 048
Address: F3JX+M86, Ka Dai Dutt, Burma -
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple in Yangon is a popular tourist destination for people who want to learn about the region's culture. It's located in the north of the city, close to other popular attractions.
The main attraction at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is its amazing reclining Buddha statue, about 70 meters long. This incredible sight leaves visitors amazed at its grandeur. Locals often say that if you're not planning to visit the biggest reclining Buddha in Bago, Myanmar, then you shouldn't miss the one at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple.
The reclining Buddha's glass eyes were skillfully completed by a Chinese painter. The statue exudes a sense of serenity, kindness, and openness, inviting visitors to connect with its tranquil presence.
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is open to visitors every day, allowing you to explore the temple at your convenience. Whether you prefer a morning visit for a peaceful atmosphere or an evening trip for a serene experience, the temple is accessible day and night.
Time: 6 AM to 8 PM
Address: R567+MFQ, Yangon, Burma -
Shwenandaw Buddhist Temple, also called the Golden Palace Monastery, is an enchanting place for travelers looking to explore Myanmar's rich cultural history. This historic monastery, situated in Mandalay, was first constructed in the 19th century as part of the Mandalay Royal Palace complex.
The temple is well-known for its teak wood carvings featuring Jataka tales and traditional Burmese designs. Originally part of the palace, it was taken apart and reconstructed to safeguard its artwork.
Inside, the floor, walls, and decorations are all made of teak. While the outside is now dark, it was once covered in gold leaf, traces of which remain inside. Unlike modern buildings, Shwenandaw relies on natural light and fresh air, without electricity or air conditioning.
Shwenandaw Buddhist Temple is a recommended destination for those intrigued by Myanmar's cultural treasures. Immerse yourself in the rich history and spiritual ambiance of this remarkable temple, and you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Myanmar's artistic heritage.Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: 95 61 60 262
Address: 2427+7G2, Mandalay, Burma
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The Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay is a must-see for travelers interested in Myanmar's history and culture. This sacred site, modeled after the Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan, is home to the world's largest book, a remarkable achievement that attracts visitors from all over the world.
King Mindon Min built the Kuthodaw Pagoda in 1857. The ornate South gate is the entrance to this historical site. The covered corridor leads to the central stupa, a symbol of spiritual reverence.
The pagoda's compound is decorated with rows of white shrines and a majestic golden stupa soars 72 meters above it. Kuthodaw Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Myanmar's cultural and spiritual heritage.
For a more enjoyable experience, plan your visit between November and February when the weather is most pleasant. Kuthodaw Pagoda invites you to discover the pages of the world's largest book and immerse yourself in the cultural history of Myanmar—a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on your travel memories.Time: 8 AM to 8 PM
Phone: 95 18 24 3639
Address: 2437+V5W, Mandalay, Burma
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The Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay is a Buddhist temple that is respected by many Burmese people. It is a major pilgrimage site in Myanmar, and it is a symbol of the Buddha.
A special tradition of applying gold leaf to the statue, which is only done by men, adds a special dimension to the spiritual experience. With each application, devout Buddhists and pilgrims contribute to a golden covering that is estimated to reach a thickness of up to 15 centimeters over time.
The Mahamuni Pagoda is a place of worship and a home to six bronze statues from the Khmer kingdom. These statues are said to bring healing and relief from illness if you touch a corresponding part.
The Mahamuni Pagoda is a feast for the eyes, with shiny statues that are perfect for photos. The temple also offers a glimpse into fascinating practices, such as the daily brushing with a neem tree branch and the morning face-wiping with fragrant water. The temple complex has a museum, stalls, and a small market. The market sells Burmese puppets, which are perfect souvenirs.
The Mahamuni Pagoda festival in January is a great way to experience Burma's culture and spirituality. It is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.Time: 6 AM to 8 PM
Phone: 95 9 762 038835
Address: Near the Pagoda, Mandalay, Burma
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Shwesandaw Pagoda, also called Shwesandaw Paya, is an impressive Buddhist temple that stands tall above the plains of Bagan in Myanmar. With its grand presence and fascinating history, it's a recommended destination for anyone exploring this ancient city.
King Anawrahta, the founder of the Bagan Kingdom, started building the pagoda in 1057 AD. He was a devout Buddhist and wanted to spread his faith throughout his empire. He believed that building impressive pagodas would inspire people to follow Buddhism.
The pagoda is named Shwesandaw, which means "Golden Hair Relic." It is said to contain a hair relic of the Buddha. King Anawrahta obtained this relic from King Manuha of the Mon Kingdom. This shows King Anawrahta's commitment to unifying the Buddhist faith in Myanmar.
The pagoda is 328 feet tall and is built in the typical Mon style. It has a bell-shaped base, a tapering cylindrical body.
The Tabodwe full moon festival at Shwesandaw Pagoda features massive bonfires that light up the night sky and attract thousands of visitors. Shwesandaw Pagoda is a beautiful and inspiring place of worship that will leave a lasting impression.
Time: 6 AM to 8 PM
Address: 5V78+GC8, Old Bagan, Burma -
Sule Pagoda, a golden stupa in Yangon, is a significant religious and historical landmark that has witnessed the city's evolution over the centuries. It is worth exploring for those interested in Yangon's rich history and present.
Sule Pagoda is one of the oldest buildings in Yangon. Some say it was built around 2,600 years ago, during the time of the Buddha.
Sule Pagoda is a popular place of worship for Buddhists, offering a space for prayer, meditation, and giving alms. Festivals and religious events attract pilgrims from all over the world.
The area around the temple is a lively public square where locals and visitors can gather, relax, and enjoy the view. The temple is located at the intersection of Mahabandoola Road and Sule Pagoda Road.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Sule Pagoda freely, where they can explore the intricate architecture, admire the golden stupa, and participate in prayer rituals. Nearby shops offer local crafts and souvenirs for those interested in taking home a memento.
Time: 4 AM to 10 PM
Phone: 95 13 71 561
Address: Junction of Sule Pagoda Road, Maha Bandula Road, Yangon 11141, Burma -
Located in the heart of Bago, Myanmar, the Shwethalyaung Buddhist Temple stands as a testament to the country's rich Buddhist heritage and artistic excellence.
Built in 994 AD by King Mingadeippa, the Shwethalyaung Temple is home to the world's second-largest reclining Buddha statue. This impressive 55-meter-long and 16-meter-high statue portrays the Buddha in a serene state of nirvana.
The Shwethalyaung Buddha is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world. The temple itself is a living history book and religious devotion of the Mon people.
Located on the outskirts of Bago, just a short drive from Yangon, the Shwethalyaung Buddhist Temple is a must-see for travelers interested in Myanmar's cultural heritage. Its long history, impressive size, and peaceful atmosphere make it a great place to appreciate Buddhist art and culture.
Time: 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone: 95 52 220 0455
Address: Ma Zin Rd, Bago, Burma -
The That Bin Nyu Temple is a towering monument that is a significant symbol of Bagan's architectural and artistic achievements. Its history, closely linked to the ancient kingdom, makes it a fascinating destination for travelers exploring Myanmar.
The five-story brick structure of That Bin Nyu is a departure from the traditional Mon-style architecture of Bagan. Its innovative design marks a turning point in the evolution of Burmese religious architecture.
The name "That Bin Nyu" means "The Omniscient," representing the Buddha's perfect knowledge and wisdom. This meaning makes the temple even more impressive.
Each floor of That Bin Nyu served a unique purpose, demonstrating the practicality of its design. The first two floors housed monk residences, the third displayed Buddha images, the fourth functioned as a library, and the fifth served as a storage space for relics. This design showcases a harmonious blend of functionality and spirituality.
That Bin Nyu is located in the Bagan Archaeological Zone and is easily accessible by bicycle, horse cart, or car. Visitors come from all over the world to see its towering structure, appreciate its architectural details, and experience its peaceful atmosphere.
The That Bin Nyu Temple is a majestic reminder of the artistic and religious achievements of the Bagan era. Its history, architecture, and enduring presence offer a unique glimpse into Burmese culture, inspiring awe in all who visit.
Time: 6 AM to 9 PM
Address: 5V97+G5V, Old Bagan, Burma -
The Gawdawpalin Temple is a grand two-story temple built in the late Bagan style. It bears resemblance to the Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed fifty years earlier in 1144.
The temple's lower cube, on a low platform, has a corridor with Buddha images on each side. The massive lower floor has three stepped terraces.
Inside the temple, you will find Buddha images on pedestals and several statues of Nat spirits. Although many of the temple's murals have faded, their presence contributes to the historical ambiance.
The temple grounds are enclosed by a surrounding wall with four entrance gates. The main entrance on the eastern side is guarded by two magnificent white lion statues.
Visiting the Gawdawpalin Temple allows you to appreciate the grandeur of its architecture and experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred site.
Time: 6 AM to 9 PM
Address: 5VC4+2J2, Old Bagan, Burma