Pindaya Caves, Buddhist pilgrimage cave in Pindaya, Myanmar
Pindaya Caves is an extensive limestone cavern that penetrates deep into a hillside, holding many thousands of Buddha statues arranged across multiple levels. The figures are positioned throughout natural chambers and along the rock formations within.
The earliest Buddha statues here were placed in 1773 during the Konbaung dynasty and bore inscriptions marking that era of religious development. Over the centuries, pilgrims and devotees added more figures, causing the collection to expand continuously.
The cave serves as a place of devotion where visitors can observe worshippers moving through the passages and leaving offerings among the gilded statues. The layering of figures across different levels tells the story of how this space evolved as a gathering place over many generations.
An elevator helps visitors reach the entrance, with handrails and mats guiding you through the dimly lit interior passages. The pathways are sometimes narrow and require careful footing as you explore the different areas where statues are grouped.
A large bronze bell from 1842 stands at the southern entrance, weighing around 650 kilograms, making it a striking artifact on its own. This massive bell is still used during special ceremonies, adding another layer to the sensory experience of the place.
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