Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda

Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda is a Buddhist temple situated at the southern foot of Mandalay Hill in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma). It is remarkable for housing a huge pale green marble statue of Buddha that was carved from a single block of marble back in the mid 1800’s.

The story goes that the huge block was quarried at Sagyin, a township roughly 15 Km North of Mandalay. From there it was transported down to Mandalay where local artisans carved the Buddha statue from it, around 1865. Some stories have it that the block was dragged all the way to Mandalay by some 10,000 men over 13 days and other stories have it being floated down the river to Mandalay. Either way it was one huge block and the skilled artisans made a beautiful marble statue from it. Whilst the statue was being carved in-situ the temple complex was construsted to surround it, finally being finished in 1878.

The main entrance to Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda is via 66th Street. Go through the covered entrance and then through the garden walkway between the outer buildings. From there enter the main complex. Here you will see people selling flowers and offerings to the Buddha along the short walk to the main statue. The whole area is covered with morrored tiles and multicoloured lights, mainly green. The top section of the walls are covered in lots of murals.

Kyauk-Taw-Gyi-Pagoda-Mandalay-Visit-Myanmar (3)Once past this section you enter the central pogada. You will see the large marble Buddha at the rear of this area.

The gardens surrounding the central pagoda are very nice with many unusual statues.

Whilst the outside might look like some other pagodas it is inside where it shines. All the walls and roof support pillars are covered in small mirrors which refract the light all around. A good time to visit the pagoda is on or after dusk as it may have all the coloured lights turned on which completly transform the whole pagoda, inside and out.

There are several smaller buildings surrounding the pagoda which house some special delights, like the lifelike images of King Mindon and his Queen surrounded by some royal guardsmen.

Each year there are many Bhuddist festivals held throughout Myanmar. One is the October festival held in Mandalay which centers on the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda. In 2017 the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda festival is shceduled to be from 9th – 15th October, followed on the 15th – 16th October by the Festival of Lights. The latter is celebrated throughout the whole of Myanmar.

Google Map reference to help you find Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda in Mandalay – Google Map

Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda is located on 66th street between 12th and 10th Streets, top right hand corner of the Mandalay Royal Palace moat.

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