Travel To Burmas Top Sights: Mount Popa And Taung Kalat

Those who choose to travel to Burma are in for a rare adventure

, through colourful cities, lush countryside and ancient ruins, with so much to see that it can be hard to choose. One destination that is certainly worthy of a place on the itinerary is Mount Popa; this has been a significant site since the Bagan era, which spanned the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Here are just some of the reasons why.

Mount Popa: History

Fifty kilometres to the south-east of Bagan, Mount Popa is one of Burmas most striking sights, and an intriguing one for those who see it for the first time when they travel to Burma. Standing out from the surrounding landscape, this 1518 metre high volcanic peak is the remarkable site of much historical, cultural, spiritual and geographical interest. It is thought by geologists to have last erupted over 200,000 years ago, while the Burmese chronicles connect it to Buddhist legends (a nineteenth century chronicler having written that it rose from the ground as a sign foretelling the arrival of the Buddha).

Legends of Mount Popa

The mountains name is thought to come from the Sanskrit word for flower, puppa, thanks to a legend from Bagan one of the most famous tales of the mountain that visitors are likely to hear when they travel to Burma. According to the story, King Anawrahta sent a man to gather flowers from the mountain; the man, Byat-ta, fell in love with a flower-eating giantess, Mae Wunna, and was late returning to Bagan earning an order of execution from the King. Mai Wunna later gave birth to Byat-ta's sons, who grew up to work for King Anawrahta, and were also executed for failing to contribute to one of the kings pagoda-building projects. In Burmese tradition, certain great humans became powerful Nat spirits after death, and the brothers Min Gyi and Min Lay were among these. The giantess became known as Mother Popa, and she and her sons remain important figures of worship. Other important Nats said to dwell at the mountain include Min Mahagiri, once a blacksmith of great strength and now Lord of the Great Mountain.

Taung Kalat

The highlight of a visit to Mount Popa, for many who travel to Burma, is the chance to walk up the steps that wind around Taung Kalat or Pedestal Hill an impressive-looking volcanic plug that stands at 737 metres, crowned with a graceful white monastery dotted with golden pagodas. At the base of the hill is a shrine to Mother Popa and her sons, along with statues of the of rest of Burmas most important Nats, and more shrines and devotional images can be found at the top. Another treat awaits at the end of the climb the panoramic view over the surrounding hills and forests, proving that Mount Popa is a place where Burmas treasures are truly showcased.

by: Jude Limburn Turner

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