The boulder that defies gravity: Sacred rock with overhang that's
half its length teeters terrifyingly over cliff face (but that doesn't
stop pilgrims gathering beneath it)
By
Becky Pemberton For Mailonline
17:22 21 Sep 2015, updated 17:34 21 Sep 2015
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The 25ft Golden Rock or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar hangs precariously over the edge of a sloping cliff
Pilgrims flock to pray at the rock face in their hundreds, despite the overhang being half the length of the rock
The glittering boulder is said to have been built over a single strand of Buddha's hair and will bless those who visit
Dangling precariously over the edge of a cliff, the Golden Rock in Myanmar appears to defy gravity.
Instead
of giving the teetering boulder a wide berth, the oddly-shaped sacred
monument is a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists.
The
rock, which is 25 feet in height, is independent of the rock table it
rests on, with a terrifying overhang of half its length.
During
pilgrim season, November to March, devotees flock to the glittering
rock to meditate, chant and light candles around the site.
Males are permitted to cross over a barrier to paste golD leaf onto the rock, which is also known as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.
According
to legend, the boulder is placed over a strand of Buddha's hair, and
those who visit the holy site three times a year will be blessed with
wealth and acknowledgement of their goodness.
Scroll down for video
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Instead of giving the teetering boulder a wide berth, the
oddly-shaped Golden Rock or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar is a major
pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists
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With an overhang of half its length, the gold-leaf boulder looks
like it is about to slip off the slated rock face onto the crowds
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Male Buddhists are allowed to cross over a barrier and paste gold leaf onto the rock, as a sign of devotion
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The site is said to be the third most sacred pilgrimage site for
Burmese Buddhists, due to allegedly being built over a strand of
Buddha's hair
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The terrifying boulder, independent of the cliff face it rests on,
appears to be attached by a tiny channel towards the angled edge
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People gather to chant and light candles around the boulder
throughout the year, particularly at the height of pilgrimage season
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The rock rests on the cliff face and those who visit the holy site
three times a year are said to be blessed with wealth and
acknowledgement of their goodness
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Visitors get incredible panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding Mon State mountains from the summit
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The Kyaiktiyo shrine complex consists of several viewing platforms, pagodas, Buddha shrines and nat spirit shrines
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Visitors paste golf leaf onto the gigantic boulder which has an
incredible small area of contact, compared to its large size
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The gilded boulder is topped with an 18-foot tall pagoda which
makes the gold boulder stand out among the green surroundings
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An endless stream of pilgrims come to admire the sight of the
golden rock. Many travel by truck up a series of hairpin bends on the
partially cemented road
OTHER DAREDEVIL ROCKS THAT DANGLE PRECARIOUSLY
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Those afraid of heights would be advised to steer clear
of Kjeragbolten in Norway. Situated more than 3,500ft above sea level,
the rock is a popular photo spot for thrill-seekers who are willing to
risk their lives for a memorable holiday photo
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Located almost in the middle of Arches National Park in Utah, the
Balanced Rock is balanced upon a narrower pedestal of stone
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The 29 foot high Balancing Rock in St. Mary's Bay on Long Island,
Nova Scotia, appears to defy gravity. It's attached by two small
sections with a gap between that you can look through
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Mushroom Rock State Park, located in the Smoky Hills region of
Kansas, is noted for its mushroom rock formations caused by erosion and
weathering
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