CHAUK HTAT GYI PAGODA

Constructed under the patronage of Sir Po Tha in 1899, the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda is also known as the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple. This well known temple was made famous due to its massive statue of the reclining Buddha.

Until the 1950s, the face of the reclining Buddha had a rather aggressive expression, which did not juxtapose with the image of the Buddha. Thus, the statue was demolished in the 1950s, and the new statue, which is 66 metres long, was created. The most discerning feature of the new Buddha image is the eyes, which are 1.77 x 0.58 metres.

The soles of the reclining Buddha are worthy of study for any student of the religion; they are divided into 108 segments, each depicting images that showcase the 108 auspicious characteristic features of the Buddha. These are done in red and gold, which add a colourful touch to the whole statue.