Magnificent
It was built 2,600 years ago and is purported to contain seven hairs plucked from Buddha's head. The main stupa stands 13 stories tall is is plated with real gold. I've seen many temples, churches and religious buildings but I cannot think of any more impressive than this.
You approach it from a long hallway which leads to a series of elevators that take you up a hill.
They take their dress code seriously, we left our shoes and socks in the car and walked in barefoot like everyone else. Despite 97 wet degrees I had on long pants as did the Dodo, but she had to rent something more appropriate before being allowed in.
She chose a brightly covered Longyi, a traditional long skirt which is tied and knotted at the waist.
We then set off into the searing heat to pray.
You pray at the appropriate location depending upon the day of the week you were born. Dodo and Thiri went to the "Thursday Corner" to pour cups of water over the statues. Thiri explained that the Burmese have an eight day week - Wednesday is cut in half and counts for two days. So, if you were born on a Wednesday morning you pray at a different place than those born on Wednesday evening.
Only males are allowed inside the giant stupa at the center of the complex. Thiri convinced me to go in but I was met by a security guard who formed an X with his forearms. Foreigners, male or otherwise, cannot get to see the Buddha hairs.
We made a full circle around the grounds, the clouds threatening for a spell before the monsoon rains let loose.
We waited out the storm inside a small temple and then continued on, the heat cranked up two fold by the evaporating puddles.
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