Kakku Pagodas
One of the Asia's largest and most spectacular
ancient monuments is a wonderful Pagoda named Kakku.
It contains over 2,000 stupas with origins dating
back many centuries. Its exists not only as an
outstanding example of tradition art and
architecture but also as a testament to the
religious devotion of one of Myanmar's many ethnic
minorities, the Pa-Oh. For many centuries, the Pa-Oh
has lived in peace, cultivating their land and
devoting much of their energy and limited wealth to
creating monasteries and pagodas.
Kakku is about 33 miles from Taunggyi. It will
take about 3 hours drive by car. Kakku is located in
the Shan State. Kakku is in the territory of Pa-Oh
people. There are over 2000 stupas packed closely
together in ranks and covering an area perhaps a
square kilometer. The main stupa is around 40 meters
high, the mass of the spire surrounding it
uniformly. But each one is an individual
masterpiece. The particular remarkable about the
whole site is its good state of preservation.
Originally each one must have been topped by a
gilded metal hti, the multi tiered umbrella-like
feature, which is typical of Myanmar Pagodas. Many
of these are tilted on fallen. External rendering of
mortar and stucco has crumbled away on others,
exposing the brick core while trees have established
themselves in a few, threatening to split them
apart. But so much of the originals still exist that
this site must be free of the destructive force of
earthquakes, which have periodically ravaged many of
the Myanmar's other monuments.
External decoration on many of the stupas is
simple, almost sparse, the builders, having
concentrated on pure grace and form for effect, but
other features elaborate decoration. Traditional
motifs weave intricate patterns of arabesques and
stems, to create a delicate tracery of the highest
artistic merit.
Even more fascinating are the many figures,
carved in stucco and apparently originally brightly
painted, which adorn corner or pay silent homage
beside the niches in the base, many of which still
contain antique Buddha images. Angels, musicians,
dancers- all created with consummate skill. The
remoteness of the site and reluctance of the local
people allow visitors has helped to preserve its
sculptures and artistic treasures to a degree,
unknown in other ancient monuments in Myanmar. Kakku
is a priceless piece of mankind heritage, a truly
splendid example of the creative talent of
remarkable people. It will take about 3 hours drive
by car.
History
The legend says that the first stupas were
created by King Alaungsithu, the 12th century King
of Bagan. The decorative sculptures and figures are
17th or 18th century but some of the structures are
clearly much older.
Click to see the map of this destination
Events
 Kakku Pagoda festival
Kakku is located in the
Southern Shan State. Researchers say Kakku was built
about 400 years ago, but there is no written records
saying about that. Kakku pagoda festival is usually
held during March, the fullmoon day of Tabaung.
Kekku has been the center of the worship for the
Pa-O people. During the festival, the Pa-O people
come to pay homage to the pagoda in their best
costumes. Some from near villages come to the
festival with decorated bullocks.
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