The Mahamuni Buddha statue, Mandalay, Myanmar 28 Apr 2017

Posted on 28 Apr 2017
The Myanmar people pay respect to Mahamuni Buddha statue with the golden paper at Mahamuni Buddha temple.
 The Myanmar people pay respect to Mahamuni Buddha statue with the golden paper at Mahamuni Buddha temple.
The Myanmar people pay respect to Mahamuni Buddha statue with the golden paper at Mahamuni Buddha temple.

About this photo

Layer-upon-layer of pounded gold leaf has distorted the features of the Mahamuni Buddha statue in the eponymous temple in Mandalay, Myanmar. Pilgrims visit, pressing further leaves into its surface to pay their respects.

Ancient tradition believes this to be one of five statues that show a likeness to Buddha. On completion, stories say Buddha breathed on the statue and it immediately took his form.

Twice a day at 04.00am and 04.00pm the temple's senior monk washes the Buddha's face as crowds gather to watch; be among them on Insight Guides' Myanmar's Ancient Treasures trip holiday.

About photographer

WATHIT H/Shutterstock