Worshipers applying gold leaf to the Mahamuni Buddha, Mandalay, Myanmar
RMID:Image ID:DT8AEY
Image details
Contributor:
Terry Allen / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
DT8AEYFile size:
24.7 MB (1.6 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3600 x 2400 px | 30.5 x 20.3 cm | 12 x 8 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
3 October 2012Location:
Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Mandalay, MyanmarMore information:
According to legend, the Mahamuni Buddha is one of only 5 images of Buddha cast during his life-time. It is one of Myanmar's most venerated images and a major pilgrimage site. So much gold leaf has been applied to the Buddha that its original shape has been become somewhat amorphous except for the head, where tradition says that no gold leaf should be applied. To date the thickness of gold applied to the image is around 15 cm, increasing the weight of the Buddha from its original 6 tons to 12 tons. Only men are allow to approach the image and apply gold leaf to it. Women are not allowed to approach closer than around 30 feet.