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It is an interesting and fascinating to
witness all the image chambers are tunneled
into the living rock and all the Buddha images,
alters and decorative motifs inside the cave are
all carved out of it. There are also
narrow galleries varying from 15 ft to 70 ft
long and 10 ft to 25 ft high. Most of them are 6
ft to 15 ft deep. The entrance of the caves is
decorated with traditional Myanmar Kanot design,
stylized leaves and flowers on the vine.
Apart from
Shwe-ba-taung, there are two others,
viz., Phan-ga-taung and Nwa-tho-taung, which are
also carved out of rocks. Many of these caves
are guarded by mythological lions. On top of
cave stands a white-washed stupa in striking
contrast to the black rock surface. Small
golden-furred monkeys can be seen scampering
around as they did many centuries ago while the
craftsmen are working on the site. There are few
figures of monkeys peering out of the stone
leaves.
LEGEND
This very
cave resort was once said to be the
abode of a Zawgyi, an alchemist who
possessed supernatural powers. His name
was U Po Win. Since Zawgyi U Po Win
achieved success in the way of alchemy,
became a Zawgyi. Hence the name of the
cave was called PO-WIN-TAUNG. According
to
Myanmar
folk lore, Zawgyis are all-powerful.
They can fly in the air, dive under
water, arrive at any place within a
second, cure manifold illnesses and
diseases, turn base metals into gold,
relieve people from all kinds of
diseases and disasters, etc. Such
supernatural powers can be gained by
possessing powerful Dat-lone
(philosopher’s stone) or by Thamatha
Meditation by which one can attain
IDDHI,
similar magical powers. It is no wonder;
such a place once occupied by a Zawgyi
is so wonderfully carved out of solid
living rocks. It is a sight to be seen
by all, both Myanmars and foreigners
alike.
KYAUKKA VILLAGE
Kyaukka village
is 10 miles (16 km) from
Monywa on the
road to Ayadaw town. It is well known for the
production of black lacquer ware, called Kyaukka
ware. It is quite different from that Bagan
lacquer ware, Kyaukka ware is made up of broad
fillers and woven to form the foundation over
which lacquer is applied. It is heavier than
Bagan ware and
is decorated for commercial purposes. Therefore,
these products are more refined and artistic
than Bagan ware.
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