Buddha of Kyaikhtiyo, Colossal Buddha statue in Kyaikto, Myanmar
The Buddha of Kyaikhtiyo is a colossal seated statue in Kyaikto, Myanmar, depicting Gautama Buddha in a meditative pose and standing about 255 feet (77.9 m) tall. It sits within the grounds of the Phayah Thon Su Monastery and is surrounded by other religious structures.
Construction began in February 2016 and was completed in March 2019, making this one of the more recent large religious statues built in Myanmar. The project grew out of a local desire to create a major landmark for Buddhist devotion in the area.
The statue stands on the grounds of the Phayah Thon Su Monastery and draws Buddhist pilgrims from across the region who gather here for prayer and religious celebrations. The site remains an active place of faith where monks and visitors come together daily.
The site is part of an active monastery, so visitors should dress modestly and behave respectfully throughout their stay. Sturdy shoes are helpful as the access routes involve walking along pathways and open platforms to reach the best viewing spots.
Although Myanmar is already known for its many religious sites, this Buddha ranks among the tallest in the world and was built entirely by local workers and volunteers. That collective effort makes it a rare example of a modern community-driven project at this scale.
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