Myanmarο½Where Pythons Are Worshipped as Deities π
From Nepal, Syria, Eastern Turkey, Malta, Jiuzhaigou... to Myanmar. Natural and man-made disasters keep reshaping our world . Each tragic news report brings complex emotions - shock π² and sorrow mixed with gratitude for having witnessed these places at their most beautiful before catastrophe struck. Let me share some notes about this disaster-prone nation. My 2012 visit to Myanmar felt like entering a parallel universe - no international roaming, no internet, complete disconnection from the modern world π΅. Following the standard tourist route from Mandalay to ancient Bagan, Inle Lake to Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda π―, everything I encountered was inextricably linked to religion π. Tracing Buddha's footsteps, I visited countless pagodas, Buddha statues, monasteries and ruins - their quantity and preservation rivaling neighboring Thailand. The nation's devout faith has preserved (simple folk customs) and unique traditions, with the astounding Snake Pagoda being the most memorable . The Python Ritual π Located in Paleik town about 20km south of Mandalay, the officially named Yadana Labamuni Hsu-taungpye Paya became known as Snake Pagoda in the 1970s when three pythons entered and permanently curled up beside the main Buddha statue. Locals worship these snakes as deities , meticulously caring for them while believing they bring good fortune π... though [sigh]... Barefoot inside the pagoda , I found the massive pythons lazily coiled near the golden Buddha, their scales adorned with money and flowers π. Hearing their breathing nearby, I gathered courage to touch them despite initial fears . The real spectacle came around 11am β° when caretakers: Bathed the snakes in a special pool π Gently dried them with towels Fed them milk-egg yolk mixture Lifted their heads for blessing Devotees gathered around , some parents even taking photos with terrified children in their arms . My camera barely captured this surreal ritual. ποΈ The Pagoda Complex ποΈ The site contains 325 surrounding stupas mostly from the Konbaung Dynasty period - like a miniature Bagan . These exquisitely crafted pagodas are in various stages of restoration. Two passing nuns noticed my camera and insisted I photograph them πΏ... Snake Bless Myanmar! π #CulturalHeritage #Myanmar #PostEarthquake #TravelMyanmar #HistoricalSites #Folklore #UniqueTraditions
