Mount Popa and Taung Kalat Monastery
Taung Kalat (Taung Kalat) is a Buddhist monastery built in a very picturesque place, which can be confidently called one of the most beautiful temples in the world. It is located at the top of an extinct volcano of the same name in Myanmar, the last eruption of which dates back to 442 A.D.
General Information
Because of its unique location, Taung Kalat Monastery has been attributed a variety of mystical properties. Indeed, how many temples do you know built on the mouth of a volcano, albeit extinct!
Not only is the temple itself located on top of the volcano, the height of which reaches 737 meters, but the surroundings are very beautiful. Not far away is another mountain called Popa (Mount Popa). The height of this mountain is 1518 meters and this peak is also a once extinct volcano!
.Mount Popa is considered a true oasis, as its interior is literally mottled with numerous springs (more than 200 keys). Many trees and herbs grow on and around the mountain. The fertile volcanic soil only contributes to such a riot of vegetation.
.At the foot of Mount Popa there is a picturesque canyon, the depth of which reaches more than 900 meters. In good weather, visibility from the mountains exceeds 60 kilometers, allowing you to see from both peaks the ruins of the old city of Pagan.
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Taung Kalat Mountain is known by the local people as the abode of spirits. The people believe that in the depths of the extinct volcano dwell dozens of powerful spirits, the so-called nats. Several hundred years ago, thousands of domestic animals were sacrificed on the mountain during religious festivals. Over the years, this bloody tradition has faded into oblivion, but still many pilgrims visit the mountain every year! The number of worshippers is especially high from May to June and from November to December during the full moon festival.
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Traditionally, it is believed that visiting the mountain and the Buddhist temple located on it is recommended only wearing red or black colored clothing. It is believed that only these colors are liked by the natas. In addition, many pilgrims bring fresh meat, which is a kind of gift for the spirits living in the depths of the extinct volcano.
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However, let’s return to the temple itself. Built on top of the extinct volcano, the monastery is one of the most beautiful sights not only in Burma, but also in the world. To get to the temple you have to climb a staircase built by the Buddhist monk Khandi. “Only” 777 steps and you are at the top! As you climb the stairs, you are sure to meet the locals of the mountain – macaques. The monkeys here are so promiscuous that we advise you to keep a close eye on your belongings!
.Viewing the mountain and the temple on top of it from bottom to top, you begin to truly believe in the existence of spirits. Indeed, from the outside the monastery looks so unusual that the beliefs about nats seem quite real! According to legends, there are 37 nats living in the depths of the mountain. These same nats are considered not just spirits, but demigods.
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