What to see in Mandalay, Myanmar: Part 6 Monywa - Bodhi Tataung

Quite possibly the most in your face and over the top signs of going big or going home is this area famous for its famous Buddhist landmarks. This hilly area in the South East of Monywa is known locally as “a thousand great Bo trees”. This is also the same type of tree that Buddha found enlightenment under. The area is known for its two oversized images of the Buddha and can be seen from very far away. The large space at the foot of the hill is dotted with thousands of seated Buddha images under Bodhi trees and is near an active monastery too.

The Maha Bodhi Tataung is most famously known for having the second largest standing Buddha statue in the world and is known as the Laykyun Setkyar Buddha. Standing at 116 meters high it was completed in 2008 and wears a golden robe. It was still undergoing construction when I visited in January 2017 and to get to the top you can take the flight of narrow stairs. An elevator was in the process of being installed when I was there. The standing Buddha is hollow and each floor is decorated with graphic paintings and murals depicting scenes from Buddhist hell and the punishments received for those who stay there. There are really explicit scenes to show the various forms of punishment for every type of sin. The higher you go though the more heavenly and beautiful the murals and paintings become.

The Laykyn Setkyar Buddha is on a large platform and you need to walk about two flights of stairs to get there. Off to the side two large white Chinthes, a mythological creature resembling a lion and dragon, guard the stairs. There are a total of 31 floors inside and you should be in good shape to climb all the stairs to the top. Each level has a different theme so pace yourself as you try to get to the top. I only managed to get to the 27th floor before getting gassing out and turning around. I wish I would have had more time because I’m sure the view from up there of the surrounding area would have been amazing.

The other twin landmark is the giant Reclining Buddha image and stands 20 meters high and 90 meters long. It’s the second largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar (the one at Win Sein Taw Ya near Mawlamyine is the largest). At the very bottom of the hill is a golden pagoda called the Aung Stkyar and stands at 131 meters and surrounded by thousands of miniature Buddhas placed in perfect rows.  

This entire complex was created by a globe trekking Burmese monk named Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narada, would went worldwide to raise funds for this amazing site. Sadly, he died before seeing it finished.

The Bodhi Tataung is definitely worth experiencing.  On my way to here I was fortunate enough to see a cultural event going on. As I was driving through a nearby village a large party was going on. Due to the amount of noise I thought it might be a political event but my tour guide inquired and it turned out to be an induction into Buddhism party for the children. The parents of the village pooled their resources to hire a band and caterers for this event. As it turns out, that day was their party and the children were dressed up in elaborate and traditional Burmese outfits. I didn’t get the details as to the ceremonial process but the parents were kind enough to let me briefly attend and even let me photograph their children. Since I arrived at the end of the party some of the children and families ended up leaving after the pictures but I managed to see one of them at the nearby monastery.

Apparently, the family and child will have a meal with the head monk as part of the formal introduction process. The mom of the child was kind enough to invite me to eat but I had to decline. It was right at lunchtime so I got to see plenty of other young monks there too. I wish I had more time there so I could get a better insight into the ritual.

Happy traveling.