Southeast Asia Spiritual Travel

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[Myanmar] Shwedagon Pagoda

No visit to the Union of Myanmar is complete without a visit to the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics. Located west of the Royal Lake on 114 -acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred and impressive Buddhist site for the people of the Union of Myanmar. From a humble beginning of 8.2 meters, the Shwedagon Pagoda today stands close to 110 meters. Shwedagon Pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the largest of which is a 72 carat diamond. It is clearly one of the wonders of the religious world. Shwedagon Pagoda is a repository of the best in Myanmar heritage – architecture, sculpture and arts. The Shwedagon Pagoda consists hundreds colorful temples, stupas, and statues that reflects the architectural era spanning almost a 2,500 years. To understand this monumental work of art and architecture, visitors will exper

Pha That Luang and its history

The 45 metres high That Luang Stupa or Pha That Luang was originally built during the ancient Khmer civilisation, when Vientiane was inhabited by people known as the ‘Cham’. Researchers believe the structure was originally a four-sided stone obelisk. The site was built as a place for people to worship and pray to idol, according to the book That Luang Viengchanh, recompiled by Kavi in 1999. The structure was renovated during the reign of King Saysetthathirath in the 16th century when the original site was covered with a larger stupa. From then on the monument took the name That Luang, or Grand Stupa. The Cham period was the second wave of Buddhism and was a glorious period in Lao history. Under the patronage of King Ashokkamahalath of India, the venerable monks Sona and Outala and five scholars brought a piece of what believers understand to be pieces of the pelvic bone of Lord Buddha to Vientiane in 218 BCE, where it was kept at Phou Luang hill. The ruler of Vientiane at

[Singapore] Sri Sivan Temple History

It has been recorded that the Sri Sivan Temple was rebuilt as a solid structure in the early 1850's at the Orchard Road site under which the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station is located. The Sivalinga was known to be worshiped at this site well before 1850. The Sivalinga had moved three times within Singapore once from Potong Pasir to a spot in the lower end of Dhoby Ghaut, then to a site near where MacDonald House Stands today, and then on to the Orchard Road site where it used to be until 1983. In 1898, a further phase of the recorded development of the Sri Sivan Temple began. The reconstruction work took several years to complete. One Mr V Nagappa Chetty and his wife were responsible for this, largely with their own funds and from donations collected from local Hindus. An order placing Sri Sivan Temple under the Mohammedan and Hindu Endowments Board (set up in 1907) was gazetted on October 18, 1915. In 1968, the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) was formed to manage four temples includ

What should know about Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is considered as the ultimate expression of Khmer genius – an awe-inspiring temple that is impressive for both its grand scale and its incredible detail. A visit to Cambodia’s World Heritage Temples of Angkor complex, voted by Lonely Planet as the world’s number 1 sight, is understandably high on the list for many travellers. Get to know a little about the history, meaning and features of its most renowned and iconic temple, Angkor Wat, then start planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip. What is it? Angkor Wat – built by Suryavarman II (r 1112–52) – is the earthly representation of Mt Meru, the Mt Olympus of the Hindu belief and the abode of ancient gods. The Cambodian god-kings of old each strove to better their ancestors’ structures in size, scale and symmetry, culminating in what is believed to be the world’s largest religious building. The temple is the heart and soul of Cambodia and a source of fierce national pride. Unlike the other Angkor monuments,

Best Angkor Temples You Must Visit

Traveling to “temples country” Cambodia and explore the beauty of the unique Angkor temples will be an experience that you never forget. If you do not have time to explore all the temples here then these are some beautiful and unique temples that you cannot miss when visiting Angkor relics: 1.Best Angkor Temples – Angkor Wat Best Angkor Temples – This is the most famous temple in Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the 11th century, this was a Hindu Temple, but after the Khmer dynasty follow Buddhist, the Angkor Wat has become a Buddhist Temple. Angkor Wat is really huge and is surrounded by a large wall. In front of the temple, there are many is lotus lakes, looks very graceful. Because of this temple is very famous; therefore Angkor Wat always attracts many tourists from around the world to visit. Tourists usually come here before 6am to watch the sun rise, and then visit the main temple. Waiting in line to climb on top of the tower and you will see, the wait is not i

[Thailand] Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai

The quintessential image of Chiang Mai ( Thailand ) with its large gold-plated chedi, visible from the city on a clear day, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ, Huai Kaeo Rd, 30 baht, [176]) is 18 km from town, sitting at a 1,073 m elevation on the slopes of Doi (Mount) Suthep. Built in 1383 during the Lanna Thai period, legend has it that the temples site was selected by an elephant sent to roam the mountain side, where upon reaching a suitable spot, it trumpeted, circled three times, knelt down and promptly died, which was interpreted as a sign indicating an auspicious site. The temple offers grand views over the city, but no reward is without effort as you must ascend the 300-plus steps of the Naga-lined stairs. The climb may be a strain in the high altitude's thin air for the less fit, so you may opt to take the cable car for 20 baht. For the Visaka Bucha holiday in June or July each year, it is traditional for people to walk from the zoo to the temple and vast numbers