Foot and Fire

Our guide, U Bo Ni, showed us the biggest temple called Dhammayangyi Temple. We were not able to get inside because we raced for the sunset and the other girls were bargaining for something outside. While waiting, I was able to have a lone successful photo in one of the windows of the temple with ornate details on it as well as admirable brick-laying too. *** Dhammayangyi Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Myanmar. Largest of all the temples in Bagan, the Dhammayan as it is popularly known was built during the reign of King Narathu (1167-1170). Narathu, who came to the throne by assassinating his father Alaungsithu and his elder brother, presumably built this largest temple to atone for his sins. The Dhammayangyi is the widest temple in Bagan, and is built in a plan similar to that of Ananda Temple. Burmese Chronicles state that while the construction of the temple was in the process, the king was assassinated by some Indians and thus the temple was not co...

This is where I burned my soles to numbness, literally. We went out to adore the beauty of this huge temple with wide cemented area around it at round 3 pm (Philippine Time and 4:30 Myanmar Time). Since we have to walk a short distance barefoot, we have no choice but to hop, jump, brisk walk on the pavement. Our tour guide promoted this temple as the "prettiest temple" in Bagan aside from telling us that Ananda is the wisest disciple of Buddha. ***   History of this perfectly dimensioned temple structure built in 1105 is credited to King Kyanzittha. It denotes "the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period". The timing of building this temple is considered as a culmination of religious education that began during the Pahothanya temple building activity in 1080 AD. The Theravada Buddhism adopted by the King motivated him to present the teachings of Buddha to his people in an accurate and a genuine way through th...

We took time to pose with the children of Bagan who are selling postcards with photos of temples and faces of Mayanmarese as well as collection of their own drawings rendered in crayons. These children are very clever seller and they do this to help their parents since it's their break from class.  Without our knowing, we are leaning on another temple called, Shin-bin-tha-lyaung. It is just next to the foot of "Shwe-san-taw" pagoda and is a long building made of brick that shelters a statue of lying Buddha of 18 meters dating back to XI century. The head of the statue directs towards the south that represents the Buddha's resting. For the representation to entering " Nivana", the head pointed toward the North. (http://www.myanmarmtetours.com/) *** This is the Shwesandaw Pagoda away from the rays of the sun. This a Buddhist pagoda located in Bagan, of Myanmar, formerly Burma. It contains a series of five terraces, topped with a cylindrica...

This is a nice side trip when one is already at the Reclining Buddha (Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda) as this is located just about 10-minute walk a little across the street. The face of the Buddha is likewise charming but lacking the effeminate impression I got upon gazing at the reclining Buddha. But samely, the lips and the nails are painted. Wikipedia entry is quite short: Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda also Nga Htat Gyi Buddha Temple is a Buddhist temple in Bahan Township, Yangon, Burma, located off Shwegondine Road, A distinct five-tiered pagoda, the original 20.5 feet high Buddha image was donated by Prince Minyedeippa in 1558. A Buddha, 45.5 feet on a pedestal, 30 feet (9.1m) high and 46 feet (13.9m) wide was erected at the temple in 1900. *** http://www.renown-travel.com/ mentioned this temple in the entry for the Reclining Buddha and noted that : Just across the street from the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is another temple, the Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda that contains another huge Buddha ...

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. *** 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.reno...

It took me a year to prepare for my summer vacation with seven other friends at this remote culture-rich ancient country. I have nothing but search engines, and backpacker's hotel are hard to find because Yangon is surrounded by five-star hotels which maintain topnotch websites. Hmmm, is this a remote country? I suspect that it is not. As months went by, when the Mayanmarese leader forged an agreement with our president to make the travel among Filipinos in Myanmar visa-free, I was elated; I saved some dollar notes and some expense in going to the capital, Manila (This eliminated the Yangon airport exit fee of crisp ten dollars too!). One of some interesting buildings in Yangon. Upon arriving at the airport, we passed by the immigartion officer's counter and I observed that the Myanmarese greeters outside are visible. They reminded me of our close-family ties too. These greeters must have abound perhaps because of the upcoming Thinyan festival, their New y...