Located near the southern entry to Mandalay Hill, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda is a must-see for international tourists especially those who take Mandalay tour.
History Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
In the local language, Kyauktawgyi means the Great Marble Buddha Image in Myanmar. The construction of this pagoda dates back from the year if 1853, under the reign of King Mindom. The structure of this pagoda resembles the Ananda in exterior form but it falls short of the latter in construction and interior decoration.
It was not until 1878 when the pagoda was completed. What seizes the attention of pagoda-visitors fist is the huge seated Buddha figure sculpted from a single block of pale green marble from the Sagyin quarry located twelve miles north of Mandalay.
It was said that about the stone block was transported by 10 thousand men, and it took 2 weeks to have the stone block relocated from the Ayeyarwaddy River to the present site.
Structure of Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
The Buddha Image is mounted in "Bhumisparsha mudra", the gesture of "calling the Earth to witness." The highlight of this statue is the hands, the eyes which were severely downcast if not actually closed.
The Compound
The structure housing the Buddha is reached through a covered corridor leading through the garden of the arhats. On each of the four sides features twenty shrines with figures symbolizing for the arhats, the eighty Great Disciples of the Buddha.
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda Festival
Visitors coming to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda should not miss the chance to enjoy one of the largest festivals in Mandalay usually held in October as the festival of the Kyauktawgyi Paya. This festival attracts a huge number of people both the locals and foreign visitors. This spot is usually crowded during the time the festival is held.
Travel Tips
Entrance Fee - US$5 per person