Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Religious Site World Wonders, World

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also known as Golden Rock) is Burma's third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site, after Shwedagon Pagoda and Mahamuni Temple. It is located in the Mon State and it is a small stupa just over 7 meters high built on top of a granite boulder covered with numerous layers of gold leaves attached by devotees. According to legend, the rock is precariously balanced above a lock of Buddha's hair. The rock, the pagoda and all the structures built around it are located on the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, and it is said by many that a visit to this place is enough to convert to Buddhism.

Currently, women are not allowed into the inner sanctuary of the rocks vicinity, maintained by an employed security guard who watches over the gated entrance. Women are permitted in the outer balcony and the lower courtyard of the rock.