MAHAMUNI PAGODA

The Mahamuni pagoda, or Phayargyi, is a real must in Mandalay and the most famous place of pilgrimage in Upper Burma for the bronze image of Buddha it houses. Its history goes back twenty-five centuries. The image is revered by all. Especially on the Sabbath, full moon and religious festivals. One can hear the murmur of prayers recited in mid-voice. According to the chronicles, Buddha visited the kingdom of Dinnayawadi some 2,500 years ago. Some twenty years after Gautama's Enlightenment, King Sanda Thuriya of Dinnayawadi felt the desire to meet Buddha and receive his teaching. His desire coincided with a visit by Buddha to the State of Arakan with 500 monks on the full moon of Kason (May), in 123 AD. The king, his wife and the little prince set out on a journey to Buddha's camp. His Majesty prostrated himself so well before Buddha that the latter did him the favour of a visit to his palace. There he preached the Dhamma for seven days. Afterwards, the king begged him to present to the multitude of the faithful traces of his incarnate being, so that they could venerate and worship him in his absence. It was then that a huge statue was cast in bronze. It was consecrated by Buddha himself, who infused it with the warmth and breath of his own breast. Since then, the image has been regarded as a true replica of Gautama, which justifies the miracles attributed to him. The image first stayed in the state of Arakan. During the reign of King Thibaw, a fire ravaged Mandalay, miraculously sparing the Mahamuni image. The only alteration was that the pure gold crown and the melting gold treasure were mixed together. It is reported that the whole thing weighed 5,450 ticals, 1 tical being equivalent to 14 grams. The restoration, in which French architects participated, lasted until May 1884. In one of the halls, paintings represent the history of the temple and the different stages of its construction inscribed in the history of Burma. The early risers will not miss the ceremony of the washing of the face of Buddha which takes place every morning at dawn, from 4:30 am.

Triangular gong room. The Burmese believe that if a man and a woman repeat the same word three times and at the same time when the gong rings, then they will get married. Next to the triangular gong room, another room houses six statues of men and animals. They are said to have the power to heal the sick who lay their hands on the part of the statue corresponding to their own suffering limb.