- Location: Mandalay, Myanmar (on the top of the Taung Kalat mountain)
- Height of the volcano: 773 m
- Date of construction: late XIX - early XX century
The religion of Buddhist monks is sometimes difficult to understand for the everyday inhabitant. Cultivated on traditions to be baptized and read massive prayers and psalms, Orthodox people hardly accept the religious principles of Buddhism. However, there is something in Buddha's religion that affects even the most stagnant agnostics and gentiles - they are temples. The extraordinary beauty and wide scope of the monasteries in Myanmar attracts the attention of a huge number of tourists around the world. It would seem - other people's shrines, with their own traditions and rules. But travelers who are eager to know and touch the greatness of Buddhist monuments are ready to follow and fulfill the necessary regulations. And in this article we will talk about one of the incredible temples of Myanmar , which is known for its location and beauty - it is the Buddhist monastery of Taung-Kalat.
What are the features of this shrine?
Taung-Kalat carries a deep sacral meaning. The monastery is located on a mountain with the same name, which was once a volcano. This fact is closely intertwined with the beliefs of monks and has its reflection in the ancient legends that are heard around the temple. In particular, according to legend, in this volcano there live spirits, called natami. Local residents elevate them to the rank of demigods. Once they were representatives of the ancient aristocracy, in whose veins the royal blood flowed. All of them were killed, although the time and circumstances of their deaths are somewhat different.
After some time, the inhabitants of Myanmar began to honor them as saints, erecting small memorial figures for each representative. In all there are about 37, and they are all collected under the roof of the monastery of Taung-Kalat. Numerous pilgrims, who firmly believe in the existence of nata, bring them as a gift pieces of raw meat, in order to cajole the spirits and enlist their kind of blessing in various matters. By the way, if you are also subject to superstitions, then it is worth considering that to visit the monastery and refer to the spirits you need in red or black vestments - according to legend, they are the favorite colors of nats. Nowadays, in honor of these spirits in the Buddhist monastery of Taung-Kalat, two festivals are organized - Nyon and Nada, which are held in May and November.
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Some useful information
As mentioned earlier, Taung Kalat rises on the very top of an ancient sleeping volcano. The height of the mountain is just over 700 m. The monastery was built relatively recently - in the late XIX - early XX century. The main merit in the construction of the temple is attributed to the monk Wu Khandi. By the way, thanks to his efforts and diligence, once such a famous landmark of Myanmar as the Golden Stone was restored. The temple has 777 steps. Climbing this ladder, each pilgrim must purify his thoughts and be filled with harmony to turn to a Buddhist deity with pure thoughts.
On fine days visibility reaches 60 km, and from the territory of the monastery you can see another famous landmark of the country - the ancient city of Pagan . From here one can also observe the Taung Ma-gi mountain. At the foot of Taung-Kalat is a canyon, more than 900 m deep. And in the immediate vicinity rises Mount Popa, which is dotted with numerous sources. In general, although the path to Taung Kalat will be difficult and will require a lot of effort, all efforts will fully pay off, it is only necessary to look around. Stunning views and picturesque panoramas are amazing and inspiring, full of positive impressions. In addition, in the vicinity of the monastery lives a huge number of local macaques. They are not afraid of people, and even on the contrary, they are trying to snatch a personal thing. Therefore, you should carefully monitor your bags and other accessories.
How to get there?
Most tourists kill with one shot two birds with one stone - they buy a tour to the ancient city of Pagan, which also includes a trip to the monastery of Taung-Kalat. From the city of Mandalay there is a bus, the journey time is just over 8 hours. On a private car, take the No. 1 road, keeping in the direction of Myinjan-Nyung. The journey takes about 4 hours.
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