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It is an interesting and fascinating to witness
all the image chambers are tunneled into the
living rock and all the Buddha images, alters
and decorative motifs inside the cave are all
carved out of it. There are also
narrow galleries varying from 15 ft to 70 ft
long and 10 ft to 25 ft high. Most of them are 6
ft to 15 ft deep. The entrance of the caves is
decorated with traditional Myanmar Kanot design, stylized
leaves and flowers on the vine.
Apart from Shwe-ba-taung, there are two others,
viz., Phan-ga-taung and Nwa-tho-taung, which are
also carved out of rocks. Many of these caves
are guarded by mythological lions. On top of
cave stands a white-washed stupa in striking
contrast to the black rock surface. Small
golden-furred monkeys can be seen scampering
around as they did many centuries ago while the
craftsmen are working on the site. There are few
figures of monkeys peering out of the stone
leaves.
LEGEND
This very cave resort was once said to be the
abode of a Zawgyi, an alchemist who possessed
supernatural powers. His name was U Po Win.
Since Zawgyi U Po Win achieved success in the
way of alchemy, became a Zawgyi. Hence the name
of the cave was called PO-WIN-TAUNG. According
to
Myanmar folk lore, Zawgyis are all-powerful.
They can fly in the air, dive under water,
arrive at any place within a second, cure
manifold illnesses and diseases, turn base
metals into gold, relieve people from all kinds
of diseases and disasters, etc. Such
supernatural powers can be gained by possessing
powerful Dat-lone (philosopher’s stone) or by
Thamatha
Meditation by which one can attain
IDDHI, similar magical powers. It is no wonder;
such a place once occupied by a Zawgyi is so
wonderfully carved out of solid living rocks. It
is a sight to be seen by all, both Myanmars and
foreigners alike.
KYAUKKA VILLAGE
Kyaukka village is 10 miles (16 km) from
Monywa on the road to Ayadaw town. It is well
known for the production of black lacquer ware,
called Kyaukka ware. It is quite different from
that Bagan lacquer ware, Kyaukka ware is made up
of broad fillers and woven to form the
foundation over which lacquer is applied. It is
heavier than
Bagan ware and is decorated for
commercial purposes. Therefore, these products
are more refined and artistic than Bagan ware.
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