Mount Popa
Mount Popa is a semi-volcanic mountain located in central Myanmar or more specifically in the region of Mandalay. It’s a structure which in clear weather is visible from a long distance from the Irrawaddy river.
Mount Popa is famous for the Nat temples and relic sites in top of it. Pilgrims visit these Nat temples where Nat sein spirits are said to be resting in these shrines — being at the height of 1518 meters you can also view a wide range of the Jungle view from the top of the Popa Mountain.
According to myths of Buddhism in Myanmar, Nats are former human spirits meeting tragic ends. Different Nats had their own story and cause of ending. Pilgrims here come with the offerings that are suitable for these Nats. For example, Most pilgrims visit the shrine of Ko Gyi Kyaw in Mt.Popa. He is a Nat who suffered death due to Alcohol and wild style of livings. Hence pilgrims visiting his shrine bring whiskey bottles and alcohol as an offering to his spirit.
Due to the worship and excessive Pilgrim activities here, people often refer Mount Popa as the Olympus of Myanmar. One of the Major components of Mount Popa is the hill of Taung Kalat. Called the child of Mount Popa as it is a volcanic plug of actual Mount Popa. Here Buddhist hermit U Khandi made a monastery with 777 steps to reach it. One of the places with close and Panoramic view from Mount Popa Taung Kalat is a place you will visit as a part of Mount Popa Itself.
There are over Five types of Dry, thorn and Sandalwood forests in the periphery of Mount Popa. Also an abundant place for the Macaque monkeys who roam the place Mt Popa is home to diverse wildlife. Birds like Blue-throated Barbet and Red-billed Blue Magpie attracts Nature lovers from all over the glove. Pilgrims mostly make the offerings and perform rituals in the hills of Mount Popa in the two specific full moon occasions in a year. For non-religious visitors too Mount Popa provides a glorious view of landscapes and wildlife viewing activities.
