Nine Thousand Buddha Statues in a Vast Universe — The World’s Most Dazzling Cave

By MOOK Travel Jun(e), compiled and reported

Southeast Asian countries boast a long history. Beyond their spectacular ruins, the region’s most defining feature is its profound religious culture. In Myanmar, there is a cave known as the Pindaya Caves, which is one of the country’s most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites and tourist attractions. There are three caves in total, stretching from south to north along a limestone ridge in the Myelat region, but currently only the southernmost cave is open to visitors. The most remarkable feature of the Pindaya Caves is the presence of over nine thousand resplendent Buddha statues. These statues vary in form and style, and even the robes they wear are distinct from those found in other parts of Myanmar, exuding extraordinary opulence.

The styles of the Buddha statues in the Pindaya Caves span from the Konbaung era (1773) to the present day, making it the most comprehensive showcase of Myanmar’s Buddhist sculpture styles. Local legends also abound about the caves. One tale tells of seven beautiful princesses who were bathing in a lake when they were ensnared by a giant spider that spun webs to trap them inside the cave. A handsome prince then shot the spider with his bow and arrow, rescuing the princesses. Another legend claims that behind the blocked part of the cave lies a secret passage leading to Bagan, Myanmar’s ancient capital.