Having been destroyed in 1943 the struture where the Botahtaung pagoda stands was later reconstructed and in its structure a golden casket was found. Said to contain hair and two other relics from the Buddha in addition to a huge number of gold, silver and ancient relics and artefacts, some of which are on display in the mirrored maze-like walkway lined with glass showcases. Its name is strongly associated to the carrying of the Buddha's relics by eight Indian monks more than 2,000 years ago, whilst guarded by 1,000 military officers (botahtaung).
The intricate pathways were fairly narrow though one could find several worshippers kneeling down on some of their tiny corner alcoves. The interior gold blinded us and with it our thoughts ... we walked about in absolute speechless mode ...
Once we walked out it took some time to adjust our eyes to a different light. As I sat on the entrance hall waiting for some of the others to come out I took some photographs associated to the worshipping rituals as well a few to the golden stupa.
(To be continued)
No comments:
Post a Comment