Atumashi Kyaungdawgyi

Mandalay


This unusually shaped temple is a series of diminishing stupa-dotted terraces over an arched base decorated with peacock motifs. When built in 1857, it housed a famous Buddha image with a huge diamond set on its forehead. The image was stolen following the 1885 British takeover, however, and the monastery was gutted by fire five years later. What you see today is a 1996 reconstruction, anchored by a vast (yet oddly empty-feeling) central prayer chamber.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mandalay attractions

1. Shwenandaw Kyaung

0.12 MILES

This fine teak monastery-temple is noted for its carvings, particularly the interior gilded scenes from the Jataka (past-life stories of the Buddha). The…

2. Sandamuni Paya

0.24 MILES

At this shrine, you'll find 1774 ensconced marble slabs inscribed with commentaries on the Tripitika (Buddhist scriptures). Along with the stone slabs at…

3. Kuthodaw Paya

0.25 MILES

Kuthodaw Paya, aka the ‘world’s biggest book’, draws tour-bus crowds to see its 729 slabs that retell the Tripitaka canon, which is effectively part of…

5. Kyauktawgyi Paya

0.45 MILES

At the heart of this large 19th-century complex is a 900-tonne buddha, 26ft tall and dressed in royal attire. Carved from a single block of marble, it…

6. Mandalay Hill Chinthe Entrance

0.54 MILES

The stairway leading to the summit of Mandalay Hill is flanked by two enormous chinthe (mythical lion-like creatures).

7. Peshawar Relics

0.72 MILES

Three tiny shards of bone, believed to be Buddha relics, were discovered in 1908 by British archaeologists at the site of a once-great ancient stupa at…

8. Standing Buddha

0.73 MILES

This Buddha statue on Mandalay Hill points towards the royal palace.