Laykyun Sekkya Buddha is the heart of Maha Bodhi Tahtaung, a vast Buddhist site located on the slopes of Katakan Taung Hill near Monywa, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. This site embodies both monumental religious architecture and profound Buddhist philosophical thought.

History and Origins of Construction

• Creator: This sacred site was founded by Chief Abbot Ven. U Nārada, also known as Venerable Maha Bodhi Tahtaung.

• Inspiration: Venerable U Nārada began building the temple and planting over a thousand Bodhi trees in 1960 to commemorate the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, on what was once a small monastery. It has expanded to over 250 acres and is now home to over 9,000 Bodhi trees.

• Construction Period: Construction of the Lejun Sejar (Standing Buddha) began in 1996 and was completed on February 21, 2008.

• World Record: At 116 meters (381 feet) tall (excluding the lotus throne), it briefly held the title of tallest Buddha statue in the world until it was surpassed by the Wat Phatthi Vihara Buddha statue in China in September of the same year.```

Pair of Buddha Statues and Symbols

This Buddhist site is notable for its pair of colossal Buddha statues, symbolizing significant moments in the Buddha's life:

• Standing Buddha Statue: Standing 116 meters (381 feet) tall, it stands on a 13.5-meter-high lotus base, gleaming with a majestic golden hue, facing east, representing the Buddha in his lifetime.

• Reclining Buddha: 101.5 meters (333 feet) long, located alongside the Standing Buddha, completed in 1991, symbolizes the Mahaparinirvana, or the attainment of ultimate peace.

31-Story Interior

The Standing Buddha is hollow and is the most interesting feature for visitors:

• 31 Realms: The Buddha's interior consists of 31 levels, each representing one of the 31 realms, or dimensions of existence, according to Buddhist cosmology.

• Climbing the stairs to the top is a symbolic experience of liberation from samsara.

• Mural Paintings: Each level is decorated with colorful and intricate murals depicting various stories, including:

• Dukkhaibhumi: The lower realms, such as hell beings, hungry ghosts, demons, and animals (usually located on lower levels).

• Sukkhaibhumi: The higher realms, such as humans and devas in various levels. (Often located on a higher level)

• Spiritual Significance: Such displays are intended to remind visitors of the consequences of good and bad karma and to encourage practice in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.

• From Mandalay: Travel by bus or taxi to Munywa Township in approximately 3 hours.

• From Munywa: You must charter a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the Buddhist temple, which is approximately 10 kilometers from the city center.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or evening to avoid the intense heat in Myanmar.

• Dress Code: As this is a sacred site, visitors are advised to dress modestly and remove their shoes at the entrance.

• Viewpoint: Climb the stairs inside the Standing Buddha statue for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

• Visit the Pagoda: Don't forget to visit the nearby Thanboddhay Pagoda, which houses over 500,000 small Buddha statues.

Admission Fees:

• 2,000 Myanmar Kyat (MMK) for foreign tourists

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.