If you were to ask me for five must visit places in Yangon, Myanmar, I can say the one I'm currently telling you about: Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple. Why? Of course I have an answer.
It's like a hidden gem we discovered when we were at a loss for where else to go and had plenty of time in Yangon. I randomly found this place on a map. I discovered something beautiful: the Buddha's eyes, a truly beautiful sight.
I titled this post as I felt, because this is a temple with a story. It used to be a seated Buddha in the early 1900s. However, due to World War II, the statue was destroy. It was replace with a reclining Buddha in 1953, and it's still visible today.
This statue was also previously open air, means it wasn't indoors, but in an open space. Now, it's enclosed by a wall, which, as I can see, isn't made of cement, but rather of plain corrugated iron. So, it should still be open air.
Not only that, but this reclining Buddha statue has its own uniqueness. It has beautiful, extraordinary eyes, like magic, doesn't it? It's almost as if I could engage it in deep conversation. It's a new journey for me, this is the first time i see a statue so realistic and alive, just from its eyes alone.
The statue is entirely white, but its eyes are made of glass painted by someone from China. On its feet are inscriptions about the journey of six reincarnations and other religious matters that, frankly, I don't understand. The writing is dense and intense, matters of importance to the life of Buddha.
This is actually a depiction of what Buddha looks like at rest, seemingly enjoying his time. His eyes and smile seem to work magic on anyone who believes in him.
This temple doesn't just house the reclining Buddha; there are many other statues believed by its devotees. There's no space, just a path that surrounds the reclining Buddha. You can see the Buddha from any angle, even from behind.
This was quite interesting, so I spent the afternoon there, when I had to head to the nearest bus terminal to catch a bus to a city that was my main destination in Myanmar. Can you guess which city? Let me comment below!
See you the next time hive friends!
Editing by Lightroom and VN iphone 11
Hi! Let me introduce myself, its me Wita.
I'm just a woman who wants to write whatever's on my mind. I really enjoy cooking, occasionally traveling, and doing whatever I like. I want to live like a bird flying freely in nature. But I know I'm only human. So, I can only write freely like a bird that can fly with its two wings.
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