Koe Thaung Temple
Rakhine
Koe Thaung Temple, known as the "Temple of 90,000 Buddha Images," is the largest temple complex in the ancient city of Mrauk U, located in Rakhine, Myanmar. Constructed between 1554 and 1556 by King Dikkha, the temple is renowned for its vast number of carved Buddha statues, each with unique facial features, housed within inner chambers. The temple's structure is notable for its maze-like passageways that spiral inward to a central chamber crowned by a large bell-shaped stupa. It has four entrances aligned with the cardinal points, with the main eastern entrance leading visitors through a vaulted corridor lined with large seated Buddha statues in the Bhūmisparśa mudrā pose. The temple’s architecture combines sandstone and brick materials, giving it a distinctive appearance compared to nearby temples made solely of sandstone. Historically, locals believed the temple once had nine terraces, though many have collapsed over time, likely due to earthquakes. Rediscovered in the 1980s after being hidden under dense vegetation, Koe Thaung Temple also reflects cultural connections to Sri Lanka, evidenced by bronzes and sculptures from Ceylon found on site. Despite some damage and decay, it remains a significant religious and historical monument in Myanmar.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore the temple during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat. It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear due to the temple's complex passageways and uneven surfaces. Purchasing tickets in advance or as part of a guided tour can enhance the experience and provide deeper historical insights. While the temple is open year-round, the dry season offers more pleasant weather conditions for exploration. Modest attire is recommended out of respect for the religious site.
Interesting facts
- •Koe Thaung Temple is sometimes called the "Rakhine Borobudur" due to its size and intricate design, although it is smaller than Indonesia's Borobudur temple.
- •The temple contains thousands of small bas-relief Buddha images along its corridor walls, with larger statues in the Bhūmisparśa mudrā pose.
- •Local legend claims the temple was struck by lightning or thunderbolt because it surpassed the number of Buddha images in the Shite Thaung Temple.
- •The temple was hidden under dense vegetation until its rediscovery in the 1980s after being lost for centuries.
- •Artifacts from Ceylon found at Koe Thaung suggest strong historical ties between the Kingdom of Arakan and Sri Lankan Buddhists during the 16th century.
History
Koe Thaung Temple was built between 1554 and 1556 under the reign of King Dikkha in the ancient capital of Mrauk U.
It was designed to house 90,000 Buddha images, surpassing the earlier Shite Thaung Temple which contained 80,000.
Over centuries, the temple suffered damage from natural events such as earthquakes, which caused the collapse of its original terraces.
The temple was concealed beneath thick vegetation until its rediscovery in the 1980s.
Historical artifacts from Ceylon found at the site indicate active cultural and religious exchanges between the Kingdom of Arakan and the Sri Lankan Buddhist community in the 16th century.
Place Guide
Main Eastern Entrance and Vaulted Passageway16th century
The primary entrance leads through a long vaulted corridor that spirals inward, lined on both sides with large seated Buddha statues resting on tiered stone pedestals, inviting visitors into the temple's intricate maze-like interior.
Central Chamber with Bell-shaped Stupa16th century
At the heart of the temple lies a central chamber featuring a large bell-shaped stupa, symbolizing Buddhist cosmology and serving as the spiritual focal point of the temple complex.
Inner Chambers with Carved Buddha Statues16th century
The temple's inner chambers contain numerous Buddha statues, each uniquely carved with distinct facial details and partially covered with green lichen, giving them an ancient and serene appearance.
