Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda: A charming reclining buddha

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If I have to describe this Buddha image, I have to say first that it is charming and then effeminate. Staring at the face of this Buddha, I can see a handsome Buddha but then as I go through the details on the lips, the painted nails on his fingers and feet, I can see that the image is effeminate. As in any other pagodas in Myanmar we were able to visit, the hall is populated with pilgrims.

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The Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda in Yangon is known for its enormous 65 meters long Reclining Buddha image.
The highly revered image is housed in a large shed North of Kandawgyi Lake. The original image was completed in 1907. When after many decades the Chauk Htat Gyi image was in a bad state of repair, a devout Buddhist decided to restore it. During renovations in 1966 about 5 meters were added to the image. The renovation was paid for entirely with donations from Buddhists and foreign tourists. The names of the contributors are inscribed on the beams of the building.(http://www.renown-travel.com/)

The Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha image is very impressive 65 meters long and 16 meters high. Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha image is wearing a golden robe; the right arm of the Buddha is supporting the back of the head. The Reclining Buddha image is decorated with very expressive colors, white face, red lips, blue eye shadow, golden robe and red finger nails. The soles of the feet contain 108 segments in red and gold colors that show images representing the 108 lakshanas or auspicious characteristics of the Buddha. Buddhist people pay their respect to the Reclining Buddha burning incense sticks and offering flowers. (http://www.renown-travel.com/)

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Inscriptions on the marble giving a glimpse on the virtues of Buddha.

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Pilgrims pray to the Buddha.

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I snapped a photo of the interpretation of the images on the sole of Buddha. 

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The Distinguishing Marks of the Soles of the Buddha

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1 to 23

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23-39

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40 to 81

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76 to 108


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This is said to be the original reclining Buddha. No charm at all, I must say.

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