The Kyaukgu Umin Temple in Bagan-NyaungU ancient cultural region is opened to the public from 9 am to 6 pm, according to the Department of Archeology and National Museum (Bagan Branch).
The Kyaukgu Umin Temple is located near the bank of Ayeyawady river about two miles east from NyaungU in Mandalay Region and it is 278 feet above the sea level.
The temple is constructed for those who take meditation. There are small chambers for meditation inside the cave. There is 9 feet high rocky altar at the entrance to the Kyaukgu Umin tunnel, and a 22 feet high stone Buddha statue is placed on that altar. Moreover, the images of Shin Sariputara and Shin Moggalana monks were curved beside the Buddha image.
The six shale buildings in Bagan-NyaungU ancient cultural zone are Kyaukgu Umin built in AD 11th century, Nan Phaya in AD 12th century, Shwezigon Pagoda in AD 11th century, Pitaka chamber at the foot of Tuyin Hill in AD 11th century, two poles of Thabbyinnyu bell in AD 11th century and NanU pagoda (No 934) in southwest of Dhamma Razaka pagoda.
The Kyaukgu Umin temple, one of the six pagodas made of shale rocks, is a must for the travellers to Bagan-NyaungU, said U Aung Kyi Tun, pilgrim from Phonetawpyae village of Natmauk township in Magway Region. — Dipar Linn/KTZH