Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda and a 65-meter-long reclining Buddha
Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha
Yangon’s Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is famous for its 65-meter-long Reclining Buddha image. The sacred image is kept in a large shed north of Kandawgyi Lake. The original painting was finished in 1907. When the Chauk Htat Gyi image became damaged after many decades, a devout Buddhist decided to restore it.
Until the 1950s, the reclining Buddha’s face had an aggressive expression that did not fit with the image of the Buddha. As a result, the statue was demolished in the 1950s, and a new 66-metre-long statue was built in its place. The eyes, which measure 1.77 x 0.58 metres, are the most distinguishing feature of the new Buddha image.
Approximately five meters were added to the image during renovations in 1966. The renovation was entirely funded by donations from Buddhists and foreign tourists. The names of the contributors are inscribed on the building’s beams.
The Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha image
The 65-meter-long and 16-meter-tall Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha image is dressed in a golden robe, with the Buddha’s right arm supporting the back of the head. The Reclining Buddha image is embellished with vibrant colors, including a white face, red lips, blue eye shadow, a golden robe, and red finger nails.
The soles of the feet have 108 red and gold segments with images representing the Buddha’s 108 lakshanas, or auspicious characteristics.
Buddhists pay their respects to the Reclining Buddha by lighting incense sticks and presenting flowers. A number of shrines surround the Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha image, one for each of the eight days of the week in Asian astrology (Wednesday is split in two days). Locals pray to the shrine associated with their birth date.
When should we go to visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda?
Yangon city in particular and Myanmar in general have quite hot weather, mainly in the dry season with very little annual rainfall. Therefore, you can visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda at any time you want. The period from October to February is considered the peak tourist season in Myanmar. This is also the time when many special festivals take place at Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, in which you can participate.
How can I get the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda?
The pagoda is located on Shwe Gon Taing street in Tamwe township, central Yangon, about 3 kilometers north of the Shwedagon pagoda. A taxi ride from downtown Yangon to the pagoda should cost between $3 and $5.
Gate of Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda
Opening hours
The Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Entrance fee
The entrance fee is US$ 5 per person.
The admission fee is used to maintain the temple grounds and the Reclining Buddha image, as well as to educate local monks from the Ashay Tawya monastery.
Some things to keep in mind when visiting Botataung Pagoda
There are somethings you should to keep in mind when visiting Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda:
– When visiting Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda or any temple in Myanmar, you also need to pay attention to the issue of clothing. Dress modestly and politely; avoid wearing shorts below the knee .
– When entering the temple, you need to go barefoot. So don’t forget to bring a nylon bag to store your shoes.
– Because the weather in Yangon is quite hot, you should visit the temple in the early morning or evening.
– Every temple in Myanmar has a strange charm, and so does Botataung Pagoda.
Hopefully, with the information shared above, you will have an interesting trip to Myanmar and explore Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda.