The Chaukhtatgyi Paya houses a huge reclining Buddha under a large sheet metal roof, located near the Shwedagon Paya in Shwegondaing Lan. The photo to the left captures the head of the reclining Buddha. To get some sense of scale, click on the image to enlarge; the row of flickering lights mark the top of a wrought iron gate that is waist high. The head reaches a height of about 2 1/2 storeys. The Buddha is resting on his right side, toes together, apparently in the classic parinibbana or dying position. This is the position in which he attained enlightenment. However, much like reclining Buddha at Shinbinthalyaung (in Bagan) he is facing the south, indicating a resting position. The photo to the left shows the entirety of the Buddha, a massive structure. Around the Buddha structure are a number of fortune tellers offering palm reading and astrological predictions. Like most Payas, this is a working shrine, filled with the faithful who stop by to pray as a part of their daily goings-on.
 
 
 
 
 
 

In the photo to the left, Tracy poses beside the foot of the Buddha, Not only does this enhance the aesthetic quality of the photo, but it also provides an additional sense of the scale of the statue. Notice the elaborate iconography on the bottom of the Buddha's feet. Just as in the Sule Pagoda, the area around the statue is divided into astrological signs. Near the feet is the astrological sign for Wednesday, the tuskless elephant, which was the birth sign of Siddhartha, born on a Wednesday. It is located in the northwest corner of the Paya.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Outside the walls of the Chauktatgyi Paya is a bustling market place, and the photo to the right shows one of the many open-air kitchens that are sandwiched between merchant's shops. The Paya is also very near the Ashay Tawya monastery, and in the photo to the left, four young monks in training pose for a group photo. This willingness to pose was typical throughout Myanmar, where the people seemed eager to pose for our cameras.