Yangon
Yangon (or Rangoon) is the capital city of Buddhist
temples, open-air markets, food stalls and run down colonial
architecture. Its population is more than two millions. Most of the
city was constructed 100 years ago, and even though it endured
serious
damage during World War II, some examples of a more
ancient culture remain intact and these include;
 The
golden Shwedragon Pagoda, among the most amazing Buddhist
shrines in Asia and reputedly 2,500 years old (though reconstructed in
1769).
The
Sule Pagoda, also more than 2,000 years old.
The
Botataung Pagoda, hollow with a mirrored maze.
The
Maha Pasan Guha (Great Cave).
Excursions
Outside Yangon, places worth a visit are;
The
Naga-Yone enclosure adjacent to Myinkaba, contains a Buddha
figure entwined and protected by a very large cobra – a mix
of Buddhism and Brahman astrology.
Kyaik
Tyo and its ‘Golden Rock Pagoda’, a 5.5 metre (18feet)
shrine erected on a gold-plated boulder on top of a cliff.
Pegu,
established
in 1573, known for its golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda and
market.
The Shwethalyaung Buddha is located northeast of Pegu, known
as 1 of the most lifelike and beautiful of reclining Buddhas,
which was lost and
covered with
jungle following the destruction
of Pegu in 1757. It was rediscovered in the British era, during
construction of the railway. |
