Shwemyetman Paya

Myanmar (Burma)


South of Pyay, you'll find an oversized buddha wearing a gargantuan set of eyeglasses with gold-plated rims.

Spectacles were first added to the image during the Konbaung era, when a nobleman offered them to the temple in an attempt to stimulate local faith through curiosity. Word soon spread that the bespectacled buddha had the power to cure all ills, especially afflictions of the eyes. The first pair of spectacles was stolen at an early stage, and a second pair was made and enshrined inside the image to protect it from thieves.

An English officer stationed in Pyay during the colonial era had a third pair fitted over the buddha’s eyes after his wife suffered from eye trouble and the abbot suggested such a donation. Naturally, as the story goes, she was cured. This pair is now in a display case to the left of the image.

Coming south from Pyay, the turn-off for Shwemyetman is located on the right-hand side of the road; a green-and-white sign reads, ‘Shwe Myet Hman Buddha Image – 1 Furlong’. And, just in case you're wondering, a furlong is 201m.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Myanmar (Burma) attractions

1. Shwenattaung Paya

1.31 MILES

On the southern side of Shwedaung, the attractive hilltop Shwenattaung Paya reportedly dates back to the Thayekhittaya era. Among the many buddha images…

2. Wunchataung Paya

7.9 MILES

The smaller gold stupa on the highest hill southeast of Shwesandaw is the Wunchataung Paya, where people can say ‘sorry’ for misdeeds. While they’re at it…

3. Shwesandaw Paya & Around

7.94 MILES

Set atop a hill in the town centre, the stunning Shwesandaw Paya (and the surrounding pagodas and monasteries) is not only Pyay’s major point of interest,…

4. Sehtatgyi Paya

7.96 MILES

Looming high over Pyay is Sehtatgyi Paya, a giant (maybe not the claimed 10 storeys, though) buddha seated in the earth-witness mudra (left hand palm…

5. Aung San Statue

8.03 MILES

This gilded statue of Aung San on horseback is a handy landmark when navigating the centre of town.

6. Central Market

8.58 MILES

Follow Strand Rd north to catch the action at the lively and colourful central market which spreads over several blocks. As you approach, you’ll pass an…

7. Thayekhittaya

8.74 MILES

This ancient site, about 5 miles east of central Pyay, makes for an enjoyable few hours of laid-back exploration, often in isolation. Known to Pali…

8. Payagyi Paya

8.89 MILES

Once marking one of Thayekhittaya’s four corners, this bulbous, towering pagoda probably dates from the 5th or 6th century AD. Three terraces encircle the…