Pyin Oo Lwin has a good number of pagodas. Most are in good condition
and are well looked after. Few, if any, have historical significance
or can rival the spectacular pagodas elsewhere in Myanmar.
The Pagoda of the Reluctant Buddha is interesting because of the curious
story, which is well documented inside the pagoda. There are lovely
views towards Lashio from its terraces. It's on the way to the caves
and waterfalls.
The story
3 marble Buddha figures made in Mandalay were being transported to their
planned home in China. On this journey one of the Buddha figures fell from
the lorry and could not be reloaded due to its weight.
After many attempts it was left behind and the other 2 were taken on their
way. The Buddha image left behind, needed to be moved, but no one knew how
to go about this task. A local Buddhist monk decided he would try faith. He
sat for 7 days on this figure and preached to the locals and recited
teachings of Buddha. After 7 days the figure was, apparently, easily lifted
and placed in its current location and the local people built a pagoda as an
offering to Buddha.
