Myanmar is a country where Buddhism flourishes. It has many religious edifices, stupas and pagodas. One of the prominent pagodas in Monywa, Sagaing Division is Moe Hnyin Thambuddhay Temple which is famous for its architectural designs.

It is 7 miles away from the south east of Monywa in Upper Myanmar. This pagoda was built by MoeHnyin Sayadaw in 1937.

You can see small stupas in various sizes and shapes encircled the main pagoda. If you enter the temple, you can see Buddha Images in various sizes and postures.

In building these Buddha Images, standing Buddha Images are built at the corners where they can be leant on the wall. And the sitting Buddha Images are built on the plain. So, it becomes a fine sight to see Buddha Images at suitable places with proper posture.

The architectural designs at the Moe Hnyin Thambuddhay Pagoda are amazing and systematic.

There is a place for pilgrimage to visit while enjoying green and lush sceneries with moderate weather of Monywa. That is a religious spot, where Bawdhi Tahtaung pagoda is built.

If you go along the motor road towards the south east of Monywa, you will see a colossal reclining Buddha Image from a distance.

This Buddha Image is 222 cubit (or) 333 ft high and it was also built by Bawdhi Tahtaung Sayadaw. And you can see a thousand Images under a thousand Bawdhi trees (or) Bo trees at the foot of the hill. So, it is called Bawdhi Tahtaung Pagoda. Nowadays, green and lush Bo trees, which have moderate height can be seen distinctly from a distance.

Furthermore, Kyauk Kar Shwe Guni pagoda and Kyauk Kar Shwe Guni Stupa are also prominent and renowned. According to historical records, it was built by Kyauk Kar Sayadaw and local residents from Kyauk Kar village in 999 Myanmar Era.

Moreover, it’s a strange hill named “Phoewintaung”. It lies on the western bank of Chindwin River in Yinmarbin Township.

The entrance of the hill is curved out of the stones hill without using brick and cement. It is decorated with floral arabesques and motifs.

The existence of the natural sand stone hill as a building is amazing and it is a pride for Myanmar.

There are many wonderful things at Phoewintaung. These are many Buddha Images, numerous kind of herbal plants grown there naturally. Numerous monkeys can be seen and handiworks of animals statues carved out of stones are very artistic.

Laedi stone inscription and Laedi cave, which is an auspicious ground, where saints or virtuous persons used to practice meditation, is at the foot of the hill of Shwetaung Oo Pagoda in Yinmarbin Township, Monywa District. It is also a place where Laedi Sayadaw practiced meditation.

That’s why, Monywa, which is the capital of Sagaing Division in the North West of Myanmar is filled with numerous historical pagodas and stupas, religious and cultural heritages and rich in awesome architectural designs, can be called a picturesque town where pilgrims and visitors can make pilgrimage and a study tour.