Kyaiktiyo Pagoda also known as Golden Rock is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Burma. It is a small pagoda (7.3 metres ) built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair. The balancing rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. The rock and the pagoda are at the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism.
In the Mon language, the word 'kyaik' means "pagoda" and 'yo' means "to carry on the hermit's head". The word 'ithi' in Mon means "hermit". Thus, 'Kyaik-htiyo' means "pagoda upon a hermit's head".
A fabulous card from a fellow traveler who was recently in Myanmar. Thanks to Abang
for this legendary Pagoda card!
Sent: 5 March 2015 Received: 23 March 2015 Travelled: 18 days
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