Sanda Muhni Phara Gri Kyaung Taik


The highlight at this hilltop monastery, and the temple's namesake, is the Sanda Muhni, a buddha statue said to have been cast from the precious metal left over from making the Mahamuni buddha. Legend has it that this 4ft-high image was encased in concrete in the 1850s to protect it from pillaging British troops, and then forgotten about for over a century. In April 1988 one of the glazed eyes dropped out, revealing the metal statue beneath.

The main hall is packed with more ancient buddha images that the monks will happily explain to you. They will also point out a large copper roof tile (now used as a table top), saved from Mrauk U’s palace after the Burmese carted the rest off to Mandalay back in the 18th century.

Next door, a small elevated structure – not open to the public – is home to Buddha’s many scattered molars, relics brought here from Sri Lanka in the 16th century.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Laksaykan Gate

0.11 MILES

Ceremonial gate south of the palace that leads to Laksaykan Lake.

2. Market

0.56 MILES

Mrauk U's bustling market sits in the centre of town and has all the usual piles of produce, dried fish, clothes and household goods.

3. Shwetaung Paya

0.66 MILES

Southeast of the palace, the ‘Golden Hill Pagoda’ is the highest in Mrauk U. Built by King Minbin in 1553, it’s accessed by a few trails largely lost…

4. Palace Museum

0.69 MILES

Just inside the palace’s western walls is the Department of Archaeology’s insufficiently illuminated but worthwhile museum. Inside you'll find an…

5. Haridaung Paya

0.91 MILES

Built around 1750, this small white temple with fine westward views is on a hilltop just north of the palace walls. It’s a good place to get your bearings…

6. Sakyamanaung Paya

1.05 MILES

Roughly half a mile northeast of the palace walls, and behind Shwegudaung hill, this graceful Mon-influenced zedi (stupa) was erected in 1629 by King…

7. Ratanamanaung

1.12 MILES

There are good views westward from this temple looking over Shwegudaung hill.

8. Dukkanthein Paya

1.12 MILES

Built by King Minphalaung in 1571, Dukkanthein Paya smacks of a bunker (with stupas). Wide stone steps lead up the southern and eastern side of the…