At Botataung Pagoda, You Will Find Buddha’s Hair

Botataung Pagoda in downtown Yangon is one of the many pagodas in the city where you will find a piece of Buddha’s hair. It is this relic that this golden pagoda has visitors queue any time of the day. According to the history of the pagoda, eight strands of Buddha’s hair arrived here more than two thousand years ago. And on that day, there were 1000 members of the military who came to guard such most precious and sacred relics. Thus, the name Botataung literally means 1000 soldiers.

The golden stupa is 40 meters high and shares its history with the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Hollow Golden Chambers

The huge golden pagoda is the main attraction here. Once you get inside (after paying, of course), the stairs that lead to the bottom of the pagoda are visible. It’s a narrow alley that you walk around, passing through hollow chambers. These maze-like chambers are incredibly impressive! They’re gold-plated (I think), and the craftsmanship is of the highest caliber. Buddhist devotees squat on the floor and offer their intercessions to the Buddha. It was a really great experience to be here.

The Hair of the Buddha

As you circle the interior of the pagoda, you’ll pass by a locked, glass-covered door. This door gives visitors a glimpse of a small altar where Buddha’s hair is kept. At first, I didn’t understand why there was such a queue in a hollow alley. Then I heard an English-speaking guide telling his two visitors about Buddha’s hair displayed inside. Honestly, I saw the tiny box/altar but not really the hair. It’s impossible! A strand of hair! It’s not like a ponytail! 🙂

Legend of Two Brothers

Brothers Tapusa and Bhalikka who went to India for business and trade. Many people believed that the brothers met Gautama Buddha on his 49th day on Enlightenment. They paid respect to Buddha and rested under the same tree where the Holy man attained Nirvana. In exchange, Buddha handed the brothers eight strands of his hair, knowing that Buddhism will flourish someday in Burma/Myanmar.

Britain Stole This Image Statue of Buddha

Yes, you read it right! Britain stole this image statue of Buddha (the Nan oo Royal Palace Bronze Image). And not just that. They also stole the King’s Throne. The Gilded Bronze Image of Buddha and the throne were displayed at the Albert and Victoria Museum in London for many years. After 66 years in a strange land, the British government finally returned these precious pieces of history.

When you enter the Botahtaung Pagoda, you will find these stolen/returned historical pieces on your right. They’re well-enshrined in a separate building connected through a covered walkway.

Botataung Pagoda is also spelled as Botahtaung. When you’re in Yangon, don’t miss this. I highly recommend it.

Where to stay in Yangon

I stayed in two places: a hotel and a hostel. Hotel G Yangon has views of the city you’ll love if you book the right room! It’s close to Sule Pagoda, a downtown market, and a train station. Backpacker Bed and Breakfast is your budget-friendly hostel near Sule Pagoda in the old district. Their rooftop is a good place to chill in the afternoon and eat breakfast.