Hidden monastic compound with century-old teak wood buildings
- Corner of Bagaya Road and Lower Kyeemyindaing Road
Hidden neighbourhood
Follow the small sign ‘Bagaya Monastic Complex’ through the narrow path that opens up to a compact compound of ancient and modern religious structures. The 38 monastic schools share the grounds, serve as quarters for the monks to eat, study, play and pray. Most are modern brick, stone and cement structures, but hidden in the compound you find three original century-old teak wood buildings.
Hidden in the compound you find three original century-old teak wood buildings.
The guardians
Ever wondered what the totems at the entrance of old monasteries mean? These animal sculptures are not just there for the sake of decoration. In the old days, spirit animals guarded properties, and the monks placed carved wood or stone totems at the gates to protect their premises. Now, the responsibility has been passed onto a new generation of guardians, the neighbourhood dogs.