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Bagan & Beyond
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It is an ancient Myanmar capital of 10th
to 13th century A.D. It was also here at Bagan that Buddhism
flourished after being brought over from the ancient Mon
city of Thaton. Thousands of temples and pagoda dot an area
of approximately 16 sq miles and are witness to the well
being and the religiosity of the people of Bagan. Among them
are the Shwezigone Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Damayangyi Temple,
Kubyaukgyi Temple etc. Each of them has different
architectural style. Art of making lacquer ware is famous in
Bagan. |
Bagan Panorama |
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Ananda Temple |
Lacquer ware |
Mt. Popa
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Mt.Popa, 4981 ft in height is a core of an
extinct volcano in the dry zone of Myanmar. Because of the volcanic
ash on the mountain slopes, Mt.Popa is covered with a luxuriant
growth of moist mixed forest. Forest ecosystems observable in the
park are evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, scrub and indaing
forest, dry hill forest and grassland. Also over 100 different
species of birds are found here.
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Popa taungkalat |
Visitors and pilgrims visit Popa mountain plug or
commonly called the “taungkalat”, a subsidiary of the main mountain
just around 3280 feet. The place is focus for believers as a home of
the nats or the spirits. They also believe in mythical forest
dwelling alchemists and other supernatural beings. Mahagiri Nats
worshipers come to the place every year in April to pay homage to
him. The view from the top is most spectacular for those who are
brave enough to climb 777 steps leading up to it.
Pakokku
Pakokku is situated on the western bank of the
Ayeyarwaddy River. This typical Myanmar town is famous for small
industries such as weaving, papier mache dolls and cheroots (Myanmar
cigar). Places to visit in Pakokku are the Shwegu tage or the
elaborately carved wooden back panel of a shrine, the Thiho shin
Buddha Image, the ancient monastery at Pakhan and the Pakokku
market.
Salay
Salay is situated to the south west of Bagan.
Interesting places to see are the Salay Yokeson kyaung. It is one of
the oldest surviving wooden monasteries. The exterior of the
monastery is decorated with exquisitely carved wooden sculptures
showing scenes from the Buddhist scriptures and the daily life of
the people as well as from the Ramayana story. The monastery is like
a Buddhist museum with a rich collection of Buddha statues made of
different materials such as wood, silver, bronze and palm leave
manuscripts. Another place of interest is a huge sitting Buddha of
lacquer. The inner wickerwork has been covered with cloth and then
lacquered over. It was supposed to have been salvaged from the river
and put at the present site by the people of Salay
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