Pindaya Cave

Pindaya cave is located in Shan State near Kalaw. It takes nearly two hour drive from Kalaw to reach there.

The signification of the cave is its position located in the middle of the steep mountain, vertically upward and nearly 90 degree upward. The way to reach the cave is by two elevators and also by stairway to the cave.

From the middle of the mountain uphill, one can enjoy the breathtaking landscape and spectacular scenery of Pone Ta Loke lake and beautiful greenish mountain ranges that will take away your travel sickness.

Approximately fourty nine feet inch tall pagoda was said to be built at the entrance of the cave by King Asoka, the great emperor of India, who sent as a missionary to propagate Buddhism in many places, showing the evidence of ancient relationship between India and Myanmar on Buddhism and culture.

The entrance of Pindaya Cave

Greenwich mountain Ranges seen from the Cave Uphill

Insight of the cave inside

Inside of the cave, there existed various sizes of 8000 Buddha Images donated successively through out the time by Myanmar Citizens since 18th century. There are the inscription of date written on the images dating back to 18th century and the cave become Buddhist pilgrimage and attractions to tourist. The interior of the cave extend for about 490 feet pathway one can walk around and the height of the cave maybe nearly 100ft.

Legend and Mythology

Not only the location and scene of the cave is unique and spectacular but also there also comes by the interesting history of it just like the Greek mythology. Long time ago, there was a prince named Kummabaya who was strong and brave. One day, seven princessess of the Ngwe Taung Country came to Pone Ta Loke lake to swim. With the passing of time, it was getting late and the seven princesses looked for a place to stay and found the Pindaya Cave. Then they decided to stay there overnight. When knowing the seven princesses staying there overnight, then the giant spider came to the cave and blocked the entrance of the cave with its web and closed it. Next day in the morning, the prince came near the lake and heard the seven princesses shouting for help. The princesses begged the prince for life to save them.

Princesses promised to give their youngest sister to him if he saved their lives.

Fighting with the giant spider

After hearing the seven princesses words, the Prince looked for the spider which was so big and venomous. He shot the giant spider with an arrow and the giant spider got killed. That is why this place is called Pin-Ku-Ya, meaning that Pin-Ku means spider and Ya means killed and conquered. After passing a long time, the name changed from Pin-Ku-Ya to Pindaya now. The seven princesses gave their youngest sister to the Prince as his wife.

Believe it Or Not

According to the legend, the seven princesses can fly back to their country with their wings. Believe it or not, they can fly with wings that would make things unbelievable to hear for now.

Most interestingly, there is a saying that there is a secret cave hole in Pindaya Cave leading to the passage to Bagan which is nearly 124 miles from Pindaya Cave. Whether it is true or not, it was said that a young novice monk entering the secret hole of the cave reached Bagan along time ago.