Rakhine State
Rakhine State is located on the western coast of Myanmar. It has a long coastline on the Bay of Bengal in the west. The Arakan Mountains, rising to a height of 10,049 feet at Victoria Peak separate Rakhine State from central Burma. The state has some fairly large islands off the coast such as Cheduba and Myingun Islands. Rakhine hosts the Ngapali Beach, one of Myanmar’s premier beach destinations, located only 45 minutes by air from Yangon. Although the beach is quite popular, it is not very crowded. It is famous for its turquoise waters, wide stretches of white sand, palm tree groves and fishing village, it is relatively unspoilt. Rakhine offers a number of tourist spots such as Mrauk U, the ancient city of the Rakhine dynasty, Sittwe, Shitthaung Pagoda, Dukkanthein Pagoda, Kothaung Pagoda, Laymyatnha Pagoda, Andaw Pagoda and many more.
Koe-Thaung Temple
Koe-Thaung Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Mrauk U, Myanmar. The name means "Temple of 90,000 Buddha Images". The temple was built between 1554 and 1556 by King Dikkha.
There are 108 smaller pagodas surrounding it, all made of sandstone. With a winding corridor it is like a cave tunnel which you have to traverse until you reach the central chamber. The inner gallery has collapsed and is no longer accessible. There is an octagonal pagoda in the middle surrounded by over one hundred smaller pagodas. Unlike some of the other temples, not only sandstone, but bricks were also used.
Koe-Thaung Temple was constructed during the reign of King Min Saw Mon, who sought to establish Mrauk U as a prominent center of Buddhism and culture. The temple not only served as a place of worship but also symbolized the power and influence of the Arakan Kingdom at that time.
Visitors to Koe-Thaung Temple often find themselves captivated by its serene atmosphere and the sheer scale of its architecture. The temple's historical and cultural significance makes it a must-visit site for anyone exploring Mrauk U. The quiet halls filled with Buddha images provide a reflective space for contemplation and admiration.