The statue was rediscovered by accident in 1880 when British engineers clearing ground for the railroad unearthed the giant stone figure beneath a forest mound.
The statue is one of the largest reclining Buddha images in the world, stretching over 180 feet long.
The pillow supporting the Buddha's head features elaborate, colorful glass mosaics that were added during 20th-century renovations.
The soles of the Buddha's feet contain 108 distinct sacred symbols, representing the universal order in Buddhist cosmology.
The structure was almost completely forgotten by the local population and reclaimed by the jungle after the Konbaung Dynasty sacked Bago in 1757.
The Shwethalyaung Buddha is a massive reclining statue located in Bago, Myanmar, measuring 55 meters in length and 16 meters in height. Constructed originally in 994 AD by Mon King Migadepa, the statue was lost to the jungle for centuries after the destruction of Bago in 1757. It was rediscovered in 1880 during the construction of the Bago-Yangon railway line when workers cleared the overgrowth covering the mound. The statue underwent significant restoration in the early 20th century, including the addition of an elaborate mosaic pillow and intricate glass inlay work. It is housed within an open-air iron pavilion designed to protect the statue from the elements while allowing natural light. The statue depicts the Buddha in his final moments before entering Parinirvana, with his head supported by his right hand. The soles of the feet feature detailed depictions of the 108 lakshanas, or auspicious symbols, inlaid with glass mosaics.
From the elevated platform near the feet of the statue for a full-length perspective of its massive scale.
Remove your footwear at the base of the stairs; walking barefoot is mandatory throughout the temple grounds.
Observe the soles of the feet carefully, as the intricate mosaic work is the most detailed part of the monument.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the extreme heat trapped under the high-ceilinged iron shed.
Do not take photos of the Buddha statue while standing with your back toward it.
Visitors must cover shoulders and knees; modest dress is required as it is an active site of worship.
