The Shite-thaung Temple, also known as the "Temple of 80,000 Victories," is one of the most striking and intricate masterpieces of the former Mrauk U Kingdom. It was built in 1546 by King Min Bargri to commemorate his major victory in a war against the twelve cities of the western Bengal kingdom.

Architectural structure

Chitau Temple is distinctly different from other pagodas in the region. It was designed to resemble a strong and stable stone fortress, serving the dual purposes of religious worship and as a refuge for the city's people in times of emergency.

• Tunnels and Labyrinths: The heart of the temple is a complex of three-tiered corridors that wind around the main pagoda. These interior corridors are deliberately arranged to resemble a labyrinth. Pilgrims must navigate these corridors to reach the main shrine, symbolizing the arduous journey to enlightenment.

• Buddha Statues: As the name suggests, this complex of corridors houses approximately 80,000 Buddha statues and sculptures, including large and small sculptures, as well as bas-reliefs and reliefs carved into the limestone walls.

Importance of Carvings

The interior walls of Chitau Temple's corridors are home to stunning and highly detailed limestone carvings, representing a superb example of Arakanese art. Key themes include:

• Jataka Tales and the Life of the Buddha: Most of the carvings depict the Buddha's past (550 Jataka Tales) and the life of the Buddha, a unique tale.

• Culture and the Royal Court: Some carvings also capture the life of the Mrauk U court, including soldiers in uniform, battles, kings and nobles, boxers, dancers, and even people in various poses. These represent valuable historical and anthropological evidence.

• Deities and Guardians: The carvings feature depictions of Brahman-Hindu deities (such as Vishnu and Shiva) and guardian figures, reflecting the eclectic beliefs of the period.

Thus, Wat Chithot serves as not only a sacred site but also a stone museum, telling the story of the greatness of the Mrauk U Kingdom, encompassing military, artistic, and Buddhist faith, through incomparable carvings.

• Mrauk U is most easily reached by boat along the Kaladan River from Sittwe, which takes about 5-7 hours, or by road during the summer months (the road can be inconvenient).

• It's recommended to hire a local guide to help navigate the temple's intricate corridors and understand the stories behind the carvings.

• The best time to visit is in the morning or evening to avoid the heat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

• You can take photos inside the main hall, but be sure to respect the rule against touching or handling the Buddha statue.

Admission:

• Mrauk U Archaeological Site Entrance Fee: Generally, it is around 5,000 kyat per person for foreigners. This fee is for entry to several archaeological sites in the Mrauk U area, including the Shite-thaung Temple (fees are subject to change at any time).

Opening Hours:

• Most of the Shite-thaung temples and ancient sites in Mrauk U are usually open during the daytime, from approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (or according to sunrise and sunset times).