It is said that the mythical monk Sakka took the rock from the sea and placed it 
precariously on the edge of the cliff. History tells us that the pagoda was built by King Teikthadhamma Siharaja in 581 B.C. Yet another account says that an itinerant monk brought three hair of the Lord Buddha to King Tissa in the 11th century and told him to place the hair in a stupa built on a rock in the shape of the monk’s head. King Tissa, who is said to have held supernatural powers, found the rock at the bottom of the sea and had it transported by boat to the mountain top where now it rests. The boat was turned to stone and still sits on the side of the ridge not far from the “golden rock” that supports the small stupa.
Whether myth or history, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda has become one of the most revered religious sites in Myanmar, a place of pilgrimage to the enshrinements of three hairs from Buddha. It is certainly on of the most spectacular locations of any pagoda in Southeast Asia.
Kyaiktiyo pagoda rests on top of the precariously balanced boulder overhanging a cliff atop a ridge more than 3,500 feet above sea level. Access is only by foot, either a steep 45 minutes climb from a new car park or else a more gradual 7 mile walk_ it takes about four hours_ uphill from the base camp at Kinmun. The complex is ten miles east of Kyaikhto town about 90 miles northeast of Yangon.
Kyaiktiyo is one of the most important of Myanmar’s thousands of pagodas. It can only be reached during the dry season between November and April. It is said that those who make a pilgrimage to Kyaiktiyo three times shall become wealthy _whether in earthly goods or eternal spirit is not specified.
The bustling base camp for access to Kyaiktiyo is at Kinmun, a five hour drive from Yangon. It is here where visitors choose between the long walk and the steep walk at the end of a jouncing but short shuttle bus ride. Many visitors opt to take the short steep climb up to Kyaiktiyo and return by the longer but scenic route. There are dozens of food shops and stalls selling straw hats, food, and the traditional burnt-bamboo walking sticks used by most visitors on the street way.
The pagoda itself is a fascinating sight, though surprisingly small in comparison with most Myanmar pagodas. The stupa itself is about 20 feet tall. It sits balanced atop a 50-foot tall boulder which in turn is balanced on the edge of a rocky cliff. Boulder, stupa, and part of the cliff are gilded with gold leaf applied over the countries by faithful pilgrims.
The pagoda is separated from the compound area by a deep cleft that accentuates the precarious location of the pagoda on the edge of the cliff. It is possible to kneel down under the balanced rock to see how small its grip to the cliff edge is. Worshipers line the gap facing in the pagoda, bringing flowers and incense offerings as they pray. Dusk and dawn are the most auspicious times.
Accommodations, food and beverages are available. Visitors who are not fit condition can engage porters with the “sedan chair” to carry them up to the pagoda.
Amazing Golden Rock Pagoda, a wonderful visit!!
