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The world renound ruby mines at Mogok, Burma

The sapphire mines at Bang Kacha, Chanthaburi, Thailand.

Gem mining at Pailin, Cambodia.

Sapphire mining at Bo Ploi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Ruby mining at Bo Rai, Trat, Thailand.

The marble village of Sagyin, Shan State, Burma.

Temples of Mogok

Mogok has a diverse population with many different ethnic groups living together. Much of this diversity is a remnant of the British colonial days. This has led to a wide variety of religious beliefs including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam & Christianity. There are Buddhist, Hindu, & Sikh temples, churches & mosques all over Mogok. There are also small Buddhist pagodas which dot the horizion all over the region. If there is a peak on a mountain or hill you will find a small pagoda there.

Buddhism is the prevalent religion in Mogok as it is throughout Burma. Traditional Theravada Buddhism is practiced by 89% of the population. This prevalence is also reflected in Mogok where large Buddhist temples dominate the skyline. Many of these temples contain offerings of gems donated by the people of Mogok to make merit.

Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda, Mogok ...

The huge Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda sits on a hill overlooking Mogok town and lake.

 

Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda, Mogok ...

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda  are white marble Buddha statues. Gold leaf is placed on the golden Buddha statue by worshipers.

 

 

 

 

 

Around the temple's interior are displays of gems given as offerings to the temple for making merit. There are many kilos of a wide variety of gems on display - some rough and some cut.

Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda, Mogok ...

 

Gold & ruby tiara at the Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda, Mogok ...

Gem encrusted gold Stupa at the Chan Tar Gyi Pagoda, Mogok ...

A gold tiara studded with Mogok rubies.

A gold Stupa studded with rubies, sapphires and other coloured gemstones.

 

Phuang-Daw-Oo monastery, Mogok.

 

 

 

 

A white marble Buddha with two sacred gilded Buddhas at the Phuang-Daw-Oo monastery. The gilded Buddhas are bought out on plinths for one day each year for worship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gem encrusted  silver plinth used for the display of the gilded Buddha statues.

Phuang-Daw-Oo monastery, Mogok.

 

Phuang-Daw-Oo monastery, Mogok.

 

 

 

 

 

The gold plinth used for the display of the gilded Buddha statues. The plinth is adorned with rubies, sapphires, jade and other gems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographs of famous people of Mogok who have made donations to the temple. The pictures adorn the walls of Phuang-Daw-Oo.

Phuang-Daw-Oo monastery, Mogok.

 

Kyauk Pyat That, Mogok ...

 

 

 

Kyauk Pyat That - a stunning monastry that sits on top of a limestone hill to the west of Mogok. It is believed the hill contains many fine gems but mining is forbidden in the area.

 

Kyauk Pyat That, Mogok ...

Kyauk Pyat That, Mogok ...

Views in and around Kyauk Pyat That monastery.

 

Kyauk Pyat That, Mogok ...

Kyauk Pyat That, Mogok ...

A door leading into Kyauk Pyat That.

The Zawgyi at Kyauk Pyat That.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The temple at Daw Nan Kyi like many in the Mogok region sits on top of a hill and overlooks Kyatpyin to the west of Mogok.

Daw Nan Kyi, Mogok ...

 

Daw Nan Kyi, Mogok ...

 

 

 

 

 

Statues of Buddhist monks line the pathway from the bottom of the hill to the temple at the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The statues at the top of Daw Nan Kyi hill.

Daw Nan Kyi, Mogok ...

 

Daw Nan Kyi, Mogok ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The centre of the Daw Nan Kyi temple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view over Kyatpyin from Daw Nan Kyi.

 

Daw Nan Kyi, Mogok ...

 

 

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Mogok - Valley of Rubies & Sapphires by Ted Themelis      Gems & Mines of Mogok by Ted Themelis

References obtained from the above books. Both these titles are thoroughly recommended reading and can be ordered directly (subject to availability) from www.themelis.com

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