| Kaspar-Sickermann |
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MyanmarThe Golden Rock with the
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| 30. Sep 07 | ||
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Myanmar (first page)
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Although the sanctuary is situated in the mountains with rather difficult access the Golden Rock has changed from a secluded spot with only some monks and pilgrims to a place of pilgrimage with many visitors. Monks, novices, elderly people, young folks from all of Myanmar come here and recently the tourist groups too. Up to now there were only some tourists, backpacker or other single visitors and nobody took notice of us. That will change! In dismay I remember the Mahagandayon-monastery in Amarapura, where tourists come in hords to look at the monks eating. Really astonishing is that the supply still works in that remote region, even with water. |
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The Golden Rock is situated at the end
of a mountain crest with steep slopes (image from the opposite
Pon-Nya mountain, SW of the Golden Rock)
[2004]).
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With a strong zoom the heavy concrete
constructions are visible.
[2004].
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The whole mountain crest is covered with terraces. Partly there
are dormitories under them. In the background (not visible)
there is another crest leading to the next mountain. On that crest
there is a village of huts and shops. All goods, even building material,
must be carried on foot across the terraces [2001].
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Adjacent to the terraces there is a shopping street with
tea-rooms, shops and booths
[2002].
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the building of the monastery leans at the flank of the
Golden Rock's mountain. The top floor and the terrace are
in the same level
[2001].
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They sell devotional objects and medicine;
a seller of sandalwood
[2001].
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The holy place is good for luck.
Therefore they sometimes draw the numbers of the lottery here
[2002].
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Some years ago there was a carousel on
the terrace. A mountain with the Golden Rock turned around.
Along the pilgrim's path were holes in which people could
throw money. To hit the hole was a lucky sign.
[2001].
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These bamboo-guns are also part of the surroundings
[2001].
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Pilgrims in a dormitory
[2002].
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In January 2004 a fire destroyed a large part of the huts and booths. Two months later, in March 2004, most of them were already reerected. This was possible only, because Kyaik-htiyo is a place of special religious and in consequence also political importance in Myanmar. |
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In my simple innocence I asked the vendor, wether this was
holy earth and holy water to be sold. But he told me that
these bags are not for sale. They are the stockpile of
fire extinguishers according to the regulations.
[2004].
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Myanmar (first page)
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Golden Rock
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Geology
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Ascent
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Monks, Novices and Pilgrims
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Legends
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Surroundings |
In the Rainy Season*
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The Pilgrims' Path*
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How heavy is the rock?
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| * German text with English remarks in the pictures ! | |||
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