Mount Popa, Popa Taung Kalat Temple, Bagan

Mount Popa, located 50 kilometers southwest of Bagan is said to Myanmar's Mount Fuji. With a height of 777 meters above sea level, it can be seen from a very long distance. It is acually a volcanic plug in Pegu ranges, on top of which is built the Taung Kalat temple. Taung is mountain in Burmese.

The name Popa is said to be derived from Sanskrit or Pali word Puppha or pushpa meaning a flower

The region having volcanic soil is also very rich in flora having many medicinal plants and flowers. Me Wunna who was an ogress survived only on flowers and later became a Nat. The place therefore is named Popa.

Taung Kalat temple sits on top of Mount Popa.

Nat worship is a part of Burmese tradition. Nats are spirits of people who met violent death.  King Anawrahta after embracing Buddhism wanted to stop the Nat worship but it became very difficult for him so he formalised the existing Nats in 37 by placing them at Taung Kalat temple.

view of Taung Kalat temple from a distance

temple from road

Shrine of local medicine man, Pomin Gawng just before the climb begin. Traditionally, offerings of  bananas and coconut are made.

As the climb begins, shops are lined on both sides.

Lacquerware on display

the climb is high

One needs to be careful of macaques who are offered peanuts by people visitng the temple. They are always on lookout and are not afraid to grab anything from you be it your glasses or a wallet.

climbing 276 steps is not easy

resting area, providing respite before another stretch of climb

water pots to quench the thirst of devotees

Legends of Taung Kalat temple:

There are two versions regarding the legend. According to one, the brother sister Nats, Maung Tint De or Min Mahagiri, "Lord of the Great Mountains" and Saw Me Ya(Shwe Myet hna), "Golden face" who can be seen on either side of Tharabha Gate were placed here by King Thinligyaung and the Kings of Bagan always made a visit to pay respect to them in the month of October-November for guarding Bagan.

Across the resting area is a pictorial representation of another legend.
Princess Wunna left her palace in Thaton and came to live at Popa where she started meditating.

Me Wunna ordering her followers to return to Thaton

Me Wunna practicing meditation

Me Wunna meets Byatta

Me Wunna met Byatta who used to fetch flowers for King Anawrahta. Both fell in love with each other and had two sons-- Min Gyi and Min Lay.

Me Wunna's two sons, Min Gyi and Min Lay

Me Wunna waits for Ko Byatta to return

King Anawrahta was not pleased with the relation between Me Wunna and Ko Byatta, and got the latter executed. Her sons were also taken away from her.

Me Wunna

Me Wunna was shattered and grief stricken. She died and became a powerful Nat. She is worshipped as the Mother Goddess of Mount Popa.

view of golden temple at top

The temple area has a collection of many temples with Buddha images and Nats.

Nat worship

Monetary offerings according to the day of birth

Buddha images

an image of Buddha in one shrine

bells supported on decorated pillars

Burmese gong and bell

dragons guard outside the temple

entrance to one of the temples

 temple with Buddha images in every niche

 dragon at the base

Nats

beautifully decorated image surrounded by golden wood carvings, mirror work

stupa surrounded by small stupas

Marble tablets with name written of people who have made donations.

a monk and a devotee meditate near the stupa

devotees coming out of a small temple

Nats

Po Min Khaung or Bo Min Gaung

Po Min Khaung is a semi-immortal supernatural figure in Myanmar who used to live near Mount Popa. He spent his life in meditating. The followers are forbidden to eat all 4-legged animals as pork, mutton, lamb, beef.

view from above

a painting at the base of temple, seems macaques have a special place in this temple

It is a good idea to see the souvenirs on your way down.

girl selling medicinal oil and paste to give relief from sore muscles

I tried the yellow herbal remedy and it was very effective for sore muscles :)

Sagawar or Ylang ylang

Ylang ylang is sealed with water in bottles and is offered in front of Buddha image. The region is very fertile and is the only place in Myanmar where ylang ylang grows abundantly. The water does not get bad and stays for a very long time.

I got few bottles for myself.

herbal leaves to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure

The region is home to many medicinal plants like Ashwagandha, giloy. In addition, many fruits and vegetables grow here. Most of the sandalwood in Myanmar is grown here.

I would say it was a worthy visit, I skipped noticing few things and needed more time to look around. But, that is something which happens with me everytime.