- Taung Kalat, on top of Mount Popa, in central Myanmar, is part of a pilgrimage site of Nat temples and relics
- It is an active place of worship and gathering place for Burmese spirits known as The 37 Great Nats
- The Nats died in painful circumstances such as snake bites, leprosy, beheading, forceful immolation and drowning
Rising
2,400 feet above sea level, like Myanmar's own miniature Mount Fuji,
Mount Popa, a volcano in the centre of the country is home to a hidden
monastery.
At
its summit, Taung Kalat is a beautiful Buddhist haven, home to monkeys,
statuesque, golden Buddhas, and according to legend, a group of
long-suffering spirits.
An
active place of worship, Burmese pilgrims visit each year, especially
during the full moon festival seasons of Nayon and Nadaw, in May and
November respectively.
During December and in April, locals hike from the foot of Mount Popa to its summit, to take part in the Thingyan festival.
The incredible spot is also a known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats.
The 37 Great Nats were aristocrats who died in painful circumstances such as leprosy, beheadings and snake bites.
Having
endured such hardships, it is thought they deserve to be worshipped
after death, so pilgrims make the mammoth journey up 777 winding steps
to leave offerings to them from money to bottles of whiskey.
The magical mountain is steeped in myth and legend, and is known by some as Myanmar's Mount Olympus.
Lofty pilgrimage: The Buddhist monastery sits 737 metres above the sea on top of the Mount Popa volcano in central Myanmar
Taung Kalat, is an active place of worship and a well-known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats
Holy abode: The Buddhist monastery is home to elaborately decorated Buddhas and troops of macaque monkeys
Panoramic views: From the top of Mount Popa pilgrims can see the spectacular ancient city of Bagan
Burmese pilgrims visit the sacred area
each year, especially at festival season on the full moon of Nayon and
the full moon of Nadaw
Pilgrims and visitors admire the colourful shrines to the 37 Burmese spirits known as Nats
The incredible spot on top of the Mount Popa volcano is also a known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats
The magical mountain is steeped in myth and legend, and is known by some as Myanmar's Mount Olympus
No comments:
Post a Comment