Golden afternoon at Shwemawdaw Temple, Bago, Myanmar
Bago is a golden city, originally build during the Mon dynasty. Destroyed by the Burman in 1757 and partially restored in the early 19th century, the city lost prominence when the Bago River changed its course and cut the city off from the sea.
It must have really been something during its heyday, for even now, there is plenty to occupy tourists, Buddhist pilgrims and photographers. Travelling with Karl Grobl on a photography tour, I spend a mid-morning at a monastery and the middle of the day at the local market, before visiting Shwemawdaw and Shwethalyaung Temples in the early afternoon.
The Shwemawdaw Paya or Golden God Temple is a Mon temple originally built in the tenth century, but subsequently rebuilt several times – after major earthquakes. The current pagoda, at 375 feet, is the tallest in Myanmar; some 50 feet taller than Shwedagon.
The ornate entry to Shwemawdaw Temple, Bago, Myanmar.
Burmese or Mon script on a Shwemawdaw Temple bell.
Women heading for prayers, Shwemawdaw Temple, Bago.
Colours and Textures:
Small shrine area in Shwemawdaw Temple, Bago, Myanmar
The luminous marble and gold paint typical of Burmese Buddhas.
Touching the Earth
Shwemawdaw Buddha
Astrology and Palmistry
Shwemawdaw Fortune Teller
Faithful and hopeful have prayers written on papers in exchange for “donations”.
Three more Shwemawdaw Buddhas.
Shwemawdaw Steps
Not far from the Shwemawdaw Temple, another temple complex houses a 55 metre- (180 ft) long reclining buddha. The Shwethalyaung Buddha was built by King Migadippa I in 994. After Bago was destroyed, the buddha was lost under regrown vegetation for over a hundred years. After it was rediscovered in 1881, the undergrowth was cleared, and in 1906 a tazaung (pavilion) was built over it to protect it from the elements.
Up the steps to the Shwethalyaung Buddha…
Indigent’s bedroll: Shwethalyaung Temple steps.
At the feet of the 55 metre Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha.
Gilded and Jewelled:
At the feet of the Shwethalyaung Buddha.
Shwethalyaung Buddha Head
Buddha resting on jewelled chests; a jewelled deva watching over.
Toddler with Fortunes
Shwethalyaung Buddha Feet
A teak seller shows her wares.
Carved Burmese teak ornaments for sale.
Another Gift Seller
Myanmar’s ethnic groups in doll form.
Gift seller in the Shwethalyaung Courtyard.
A postcard seller sends us off on our way…
We left Shwethalyaung for the two hour drive back to Yangon –
and the next instalment in the Burmese adventure.
‘Till then!
Photos: 12September2012
Golden temple & one large reclining Buddha. typical life around the temple. Very nice.
Can’t even imagine what it must be like to stand amongst such history… jsut beautiful
Thanks, Signe and Gabe! Indeed, it is a privilege standing amidst the history.