The famous “Golden Rock” pagoda in Myanmar’s Mon State will not be designated as a national cultural heritage zone.
The Irrawaddy news site reports that the popular tourist destination and Buddhist pilgrimage site, officially known as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, will only remain a protected zone but won’t receive additional protection.
Officials gave the reason that, if it became a heritage site, local monks would need to get official approval before repairing the gold foil on the rock.
“If the pagoda is designated as a cultural heritage zone, then gold foils are not allowed to be affixed to the pagoda [without permission], and repairs can’t be made,” said Mon State Minister Dr Htein Lin was quoted saying.
“There are penalties for violations of those regulations, so it is better to apply when we are in a position to abide to those regulations, otherwise we will be frequently penalised,” he added.
The Golden Rock, which is actually a granite rock covered in gold leaf, is famous due to its precarious position, which seems to defy gravity. Legend has it that the rock is balanced on a strand of Buddha’s hair.
The rock lies within the Kyaiktiyo forest reserve, which covers more than 15,600 hectares. In total the reserve includes 16 pagodas and stupas, plus 33 monasteries.
