Thanboddhay pagoda
Intricately decorated temple housing over 580,000 images of the Buddha
The Thanboddhay monastery near Monywa is a unique temple in Burma. It is one of the most intricately decorated temples in the country with an extensive use of vibrant colors housing over 580,000 Buddha images.
There was a monastery here as early as the 14th century, of which nothing is left. Construction of the current temple started in 1939 and was completed in 1952. During the second World War thousands of people trying to get away from the war lived on the temple grounds.
On the 15 hectares grounds of the temple complex are a very ornate main pagoda, a large prayer hall and a number of smaller buildings, all extensively decorated. The entrance gate to the grounds is topped with a seven tiered Pyatthat roof. Two white elephants stand guard.
Near the giant Buddhas
The Thanboddhay is just a few kilometers away from the giant Buddhas of the Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung monastery.
Main pagoda
The main pagoda is one of the most ornate and colorful monastery buildings in the country. Every inch of the structure, both interior and exterior, is covered with Buddha images. On its square base, each side a little over 50 meters long, are a number of receding terraces that contain over 800 richly decorated small pagodas. Around the base are statues of lions and mythological creatures. At the center is a large golden stupa topped with a hti top element. The main stupa is 40 meters high.
The base of the pagoda is open to visitors. Along the long corridors are large seated and standing Buddha images on pedestals wearing golden robes. The walls and pillars contain dozens of ascending rows of niches that enshrine small Buddha images. The pagoda is said to house over 580,000 images of the Buddha.
The main stupa is surrounded by very colorful small stupas and 20 large decorated pillars. Several pavilions enshrines Buddha images, among them a large reclining Buddha image wearing a golden robe.
Other buildings on the temple grounds
Next to the main pagoda is a large prayer hall topped with numerous small golden stupas similar to those of the main pagoda. Around the hall are stucco depictions of important people like Kings and ministers holding up sheets of paper, on which are written rules that people should live by.
Near the prayer hall is the Arlain Nga Sint, a watchtower with an external spiral staircase. Men can climb the tower and enjoy the overview of the temple from the top. Women are not allowed to climb the tower. Several building on the temple grounds are decorated with stuccoed figures of people, tigers and dogs, all painted in very lively colors. A pond is the home of fish and turtles. Visitors wanting to feed them can buy food from vendors.
Pagoda festival
During Tazaungmone, the 8th month of the Burmese calendar which marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the winter (usually November) the pagoda festival is held with musical performances, dancing, lots of food and vendors selling their wares.
How to get to the Thanboddhay pagoda
The temple is found about 15 kilometers South East of Monywa town. Follow road 71 South from Monywa. After about 10 kilometers, turn left towards the Monywa technical university. The temple is found a few kilometers down this road, near the university. A tuk tuk from the center of Monywa will take around 30 minutes.
To visit the Thanboddhay temple and the giant Buddhas of nearby Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung, charter a tuk tuk for half a day, which will cost around 10,000 Kyat.
Opening hours
The temple opens daily from 8 am until 6 pm.
Entrance fee
Admission is US$ 3 per person.
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