Mt Popa: Mythical land with biodiversity (Article)
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Thiri Khit Oo (NP News) - July 20
Mount Popa which arose 1,518 meters above sea level existing in the land block area was deemed in ancient as a paradise for angels, dragons, and healers (for example Zawgyi). That inactive volcano is covered by a green forest blooming various species of flowers in Myanmar’s central land and is well-known as Mount Popa Taung Kalat.
The Mt. Popa is located in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Region. According to geologists and historians, it has been more than 15 million years that the mount has been existing. After many decades, the volcano became inactive and therefore, it can be seen now as a mountain. The areas around Mt Popa have changed into green land and are full of wild animals.
As legend says there were many mythical histories connecting to that inactive volcano. One of the heart-touching love stories ends with tears when the godmother of flowers namely Malwunna falls in love with Byetta (a senior commander of Anawrahta King’s army) who was wounded in the war. The godmother Malwunna healed him to have a full recovery. After returning to his army, Byetta always came to Mt Popa to see the godmother and gave flowers. Since then, the godmother planted the flowers and made Mt Popa green. Later, Byetta’s demise drove her also died from heartbreaking. Accordingly, the volcano covered with flowers is taken as the monument of their love to the descendants.
We can also imagine the beauty of Mt Popa these days. Nowadays, Mt Popa is also as green as legend says. An extinct volcano covered by forests is considered as one of the most sacred places which has become an attractive place in Myanmar.
The mountain is also extinct for culture and tradition such as Nat. On the top of the volcano, Buddhists build a small temple of Buddha and a statue of Malwunna. Some pilgrims and visitors worship at the temple and Malwunna statue for good fortune. Some believe that Malwunna guards the Mt Popa volcano and keeps the mountain from exploding.
Such a volcano attracts tourists since it is also an interesting place which has full of stories and flowers. Therefore, it is no wonder that the ancient poets coined the mountain as a paradise. In addition, tamed monkeys live around the mountain and the travelers feed them bananas during their visits.
Today, the Ministry of National Resources and Environmental Conservation designated Mt Popa as Myanmar's First National Geopark to make a tourism-based destination. In addition, the relevant government conserves annual land areas, biodiversity and ecosystems, wild animals and fauna, natural heritage, history, and ancient heritage since there also are rare species such as orchids, cyrtodactylus lizards, and langurs monkeys can be found at the Mt Popa.
Reference – Global New Light of
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