User:DiverDave/Monywa Buddha Statue



The Monywa Buddha Statues are located in Bodhi Ta Htaung Pagoda (also known as Boddhi-tataung Pagoda, or Bodhi Tathaung Monastery), Monywa, Myanmar. Bodhi Ta Htaung is translated from the Burmese as one thousand Bodhi trees.

Location
Monywa is a city located approximately 136 km ( miles) northwest of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River in Sagaing Division, central Myanmar. Situated along the Mandalay-Budalin branch railway line, Monywa serves as a major trade center for India and Myanmar through Kalay Myo road and Chindwin River.

Description
Just beyond Bodhi Tahtaung, a short stroll towards the east will bring you to the Po Khaung Taung, a range of hills where you can see one of the largest reclining Buddha images in the world. Measuring 300 ft in length it is even bigger than the colossal [[Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha image in Bago (Pegu) which has a length of 180 ft. only. The head is 60 ft. in height. It was built in 1991 and up to now there is still no roof or shelter to protect it from the elements.

With a lenght of 90 meters, the Monywa reclining Buddha statue is the longest and most massive reclining Buddha in the world. This huge image has a hollow cave-like structure inside and you can walk from the head to the feet. You will then see inside 9,000 one foot high metal images of the Buddha and his disciples in various postures. There are also representations of some of the important events in the life of the Buddha. If you are interested in Buddha footprints you can study the 108 auspicious symbols which are depicted on the soles of this huge image.

Aung Setkya Pagoda is 225 ft in height on top of a pedestal which is 216.75 feet in height, giving the pagoda a total height of 441.75 ft. The Pagoda is surrounded by 1060 satellite pagodas.

Originally the abbot who founded this complex set out to plant 1,000 trees and place a Buddha image under each. Now there are more than 5,000 Buddhas from merely life-size to a 90 meter long Reclining Buddha. This massive sitting Buddha is in the compound of Boddhi-tataung (1,000 boddhi trees). His eyelashes are made from 1/2" rebar, each approximately two feet long.

History
Recent Accidents

Current status
In addition to the Monywa Buddha Statues, Monywa is a popular destination for tourists, as it is an easy day trip from Mandalay. Popular attractions in Monywa include:
 * Hsu-Taung-Pyae Pagoda, highly revered by Buddhist devotees and pilgrims.
 * Su Daung Pye Pagoda & Shwe Si Gon Pagoda
 * Mohnyin Thambuddhe Pagoda (als known as Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya). This huge stupa resembles the Borobudur in Indonesia. Originally constructed in 1303, it was reconstructed in 1939. It contains over 500,000 images of Buddha.
 * Ledi Stone Book. This was established in 1924 as a record of Ledi Sadaw PayaGyi's Dipani Kyan. 806 stone slabs inscribed with elements of the Pali Canon.