Chaukhtatgyi Paya, Rangoon

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The soles of the statue are covered by glass mosaics representing the 108 special characteristics of the Lord Buddha. There´s also a chart with the descripition of the signs represented on the it as foreseen by the royal astrologers.

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Housed under a big open sheet metal roof construction, this 72 mts long Buddha statue is the largest in the country and one of the biggest in the world. The statue was built in 1966 over the remains of the original statue destroyed by time and nature elements. The statue is resting on his right side, toes together in the Parinibbana position.

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Not too far Northeast of the Shwedagon (see seperate tip) is the Chaukhtatgyi Paya which contains quite simply the largest Buddha image I have ever seen. The people in the foreground of the photo will give you some impression of scale. Having said that, you really need to stand beside the image to properly appreciate how huge it is. I'm told there is an even larger image in Bago, but I didn't get to see it.

On the soles of the Buddha's feet are 108 symbols which all have relevance to his life and teachings. A display nearby explains what they all are.

One thing I found particularly interesting here was the donations lists. It is the practice in Buddhist temples that people who donate large sums have their names displayed. I saw names from Holland, Japan, Korea, the USA and numerous other places.