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A place of Snake Pagoda – By Khin Maung Maung Lwin –

Top 9 Astonishing Facts about Snake Pagoda

The Snake Pagoda, is a temple in Yangon, Myanmar which is famous for housing and caring for snakes. While many Buddhist temples have pictures, drawings, and inscriptions on snakes, it is the only one that has live snakes.

Officially called Baung Daw Gyoke Pagoda, it is referred to as Hmwe Paya or snake pagoda (snake temple). It is located in the middle of a lake in Myanmar’s Yangon region and is accessible via a bridge.

A temple is a place of worship, where pilgrims and believers go to worship regularly. You will find snakes of all kinds in the Temple. Especially pythons slinking across the temple’s floors and draped across windows.

Below are some interesting facts about the captivating Myanmar Snake Pagoda.

1. Founded In 1974

According to recounts, the founding of the pagoda was a happy coincidence. As a Buddhist Monk was tending to the Old Pagoda in 1974, he found two large pythons coiled around a Buddha statue. He proceeded to carefully remove the two snakes are returned them to the jungle.

However, the snakes returned after a while and were removed a few more times returning shortly after removal. Eventually, the Monks saw that the snakes were holy and probably reincarnated souls of previous Monks.

Therefore, they stopped removing the snakes and started caring for them. Thus, the snake temple began.

2. Snakes Are Donated to The Temple by Followers

Python Image by Silvia from

Since the founding of the temple, the original snakes have died. However, the temple keeps growing housing a variety of different snakes on the premises.

This snake collection is not purely from reproduction. Many snakes are donations from faithful followers. These donations come from various parts of the world while some are collected locally.

Some local farmers collect snakes from their land and take them to the temple instead of hurting them. This is because snakes are regarded as holy creatures.

3. The Original Snakes Are Still Present in The Temple

Remember, the original snakes found by a monk to officially start the temple? Well, they are still present in the temple. At least their bodies are.

Though these original pythons are long dead, their bodies have been preserved and can e viewed by guests. This is possible through taxidermy. That is, the snake’s skins were prepared, stuffed appropriately, and mounted.

4. The Snakes Are Fed Eggs and Milk

 Snakes in the country and in the Buddhist, religion are holy creatures. To this end, they are given pristine treatment. The Monks and nuns in the temple are charged with caring for the increasing snake population in the temple.

A task which they carry out willingly and happily. The snakes are washed every morning in a water bath filled with petals. Yes, you read that right, sounds amazing right?

That’s not all, they are fed on milk and eggs too plus the occasional goat meat. No wonder they don’t leave the temple. With this kind of pampering it’s hard for them to find a reason to leave.

5. Visitors Are Allowed to Touch the Snakes

A Python by István from

For most people around the world, the snake is a predator invoking fear just by its mere sight. However, the snakes in the snake pagoda are extremely gentle and docile.

They are not put in cages at the temple and are allowed to roam as freely as they want. The chances of a visitor tripping over a snake are higher than being attacked by one in the temple.

There hasn’t been a recorded snake attack at the temple. Visitors in their prayers are allowed to touch the snakes if you’re brave enough of course.

6. The Pagoda Is Always Open

Every morning at around 11.00 am, the snakes in the park are bathed and bathed by the monks and nuns. The temple is open to guests every day of the week with the optimal hours for guests being between 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm.

From the Twante Township, the pagoda is accessible via Trishaw, hiring a Motorcycle Taxi, Taxi, or renting a Bicycle/ Motorcycle.

7. The Snake’s Presence Makes the Pagoda More Divine

Snake Pagoda – By Khin Maung Maung Lwin –

To the locals and other Buddhist faithful, the snake’s presence is what make’s the pagoda special. Believers visit the pagoda for prayer with the faith that their prayers and wishes will be granted.

It is a common site to see people pray and present offerings to the divine reptiles. People may be seen kneeling beneath the snake-filled tree, stuffing US$0.60 bills (1,000 kyats) between the snakes’ coils. If they’re feeling courageous, softly pet the snakes.

People are only permitted to request one thing at a time, not many things. Don’t be a glutton.

8. Snakes Have Mythical Significance in Buddhist Iconography

The snake king Mucalinda allegedly shielded the Buddha from a storm after he acquired enlightenment. After achieving enlightenment, the Buddha meditated for seven weeks, during which time the sky grew gloomy and heavy rains fell.

When the Buddha was in danger from the rain, the snake king appeared and shielded him from the weather. This is why snakes are regarded as holy and divine creatures and why the temple is built to care for them as such.

9. Among Few Pagodas with Live Snakes

A statue of Shin Upaguta Thera. Mandalay Region plague city Located in the Snake Temple – By Khin Maung Maung Lwin –

Around Southeast Asia, temple entrances frequently feature stone carvings of snakes or nagas. However, Baung Daw Gyoke (Snake Pagoda) is one of the few Buddhist temples that purposefully allows live snakes inside.

Another pagoda in Myanmar, Yadana Labamuni Hsu-Taung Pye Paya, is famed for holding enormous pythons. These pythons are revered as the reincarnated souls of monks who once cared for the pagoda.

This pagoda is located not far from Mandalay. In Malaysia, the Hock Hin Keong in Penang snake temple is home to vipers rather than pythons.