Buddhist monastery on Taung Kalat

Buddhist monastery on Taung Kalat

Fifty kilometers southeast of Bagan in Central Myanmar at the base of Mount Popa is a solitary peak topped by gold stupas. The Popa Taungkalat shrine is the favoured home of 37 Mahagiri Nats or aminist spirit entities, statues of which can be found at its base. These spirits were once so important to the country's early Kings that it was essential for them to consult the Nats before commencing their reign.
To reach the top, we had to remove shoes and socks and climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitude of monkeys expecting treats.
Popa means "flower" in Sanskrit and you will find bottled flowers that you can purchase as offerings at the temple.

This photo was captured during my honeymoon in February 1981 and scanned with my NIKON CoolScan V ED.
It makes me fun to select and scann old photos, this reminds me old memories I made during an amazing trip.