Myanmar - Burma - Botathanug Pagoda

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The Botataung (also spelled Botathaung) Pagoda was built some 2,500 years ago by the Mon people. Located on the banks of the river in downtown Yangon it's one of the most highly regarded and visited temples. The 120 foot tall golden pagoda enshrines a sacred hair relic of the Buddha. During World War II the pagoda was collateral damage to Allied bombing raids on the extensive nearby docks. Rebuilding started in 1948 following the original design.

In the center of the tiled platform stands the main stupa surrounded by a a number of smaller stupas. The main stupa is the unique feature of the Botataung monastery; it enshrines the sacred Buddha relic and it is hollow and open to the public. The interior is a maze of golden walled corridors leading to the central altar with its enshrined relic.

About 1500 years ago King Sihadipa (of the Thaton Kingdom, a Mon state) and his queen held an assembly of one thousand generals (warlords) at the bank of Yangon river, now known as Bo Ta Htaung Jetty meaning 1000 generals Jetty. The assembly was to welcome the landing of Buddha Hair Relics and enshrine the sacred hair at the place for 6 months. This king constructed the Pagoda to hold the relics and other artifacts. The entire story is illustrated in paintings on the entrance corridor ceiling telling how 2 merchant brothers obtained 8 hairs of the Buddha in India and brought to Yangon, losing several of the hairs along the way when attacked or extorted by local kings, bandits and others

At the side of the pagoda, there is Nat (spirit) pavilion Bo Bo Gyi,  "great grandfather", the nat ( or guardian spirit) unique to each Burmese Buddhist temple or pagoda. Bo Bo Gyi is typically depicted as a nearly life-sized elderly man, dressed in a curved cap, carrying a cane, to signify old age These pavilions are busy with worshippers every day, offering a coconuts and bananas (conveniently bundled and sold at stalls just outside the pagoda).