The Sacred Site of Mula-i: A Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination

Mula-i, a revered Buddhist site nestled within the DKBA-administered Karen territory, beckons pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and cultural immersion. Its breathtaking vistas and serene atmosphere make it an ideal destination for both religious and leisure travelers.

A Sanctuary of Faith:

Mula-i holds immense significance for Burmese Buddhists, serving as a sacred pilgrimage site. The devout ascend its slopes to engage in acts of piety and merit-making, seeking blessings and spiritual renewal. The site's sanctity is further emphasized by the strict adherence to vegetarianism within its confines, ensuring a pure and reverent environment.

A Realm of Natural Beauty:

Beyond its religious significance, Mula-i captivates with its stunning natural beauty. The verdant slopes adorned with vibrant flora offer a feast for the eyes, while the panoramic views from the summit inspire awe and tranquility. The site's unique topography presents two distinct peaks, each offering a unique experience.

A Cultural Tapestry:

Mula-i's cultural significance is interwoven with its religious traditions. The site's customs and practices reflect the rich heritage of the Karen people, offering visitors a glimpse into their unique way of life. The presence of two pagodas, one accessible only to men and the other to women, highlights the community's adherence to traditional gender roles.

A Journey of Discovery:

A visit to Mula-i promises a transformative experience, encompassing spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether seeking solace, adventure, or a deeper understanding of Burmese Buddhist traditions, Mula-i offers an unforgettable journey for all who venture within its sacred grounds.



Mount Mula-i is located in Myawaddy Township, Myanmar, approximately 15 kilometers from the Thai border. A stupa sits atop the mountain, nestled amidst the valley. It is important to respect the customs and beliefs of the local people when visiting this site.



Crossing the border at Ban Wa Lai, we found a monk and took a 4WD with a guide. The vehicle followed a red dirt road, eventually entering a narrow and steep mountain path. After about two hours, we reached the temple on top of Mount Mula-i. The border crossing was a military checkpoint, and we were able to cross using our national ID cards.



The history of the Phra That Mulawi states that in the "Mon State" there were 15 relics of the Buddha's hair (called "Dhatu Sak" by the Mon people). Of these, "Rishi Kappa" placed one strand of hair in the Phra That Mulawi, and "Rishi Narada" placed one strand of hair in the Phra That Mora Aje on Mount "Arona Tenpodo Panya" in 114 AD. An inscription at the base of the pagoda states that the "Phra That Mulawi" was crowned in March 1154 AD (1697 BE). There are statues of the four guardian deities standing at the swan pillars.

Upon arrival at the Muela I stupa, the following restrictions apply: 1. Sexual intercourse is prohibited. 2. Only vegetarian food is permitted, and the consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants is forbidden. Killing of animals is also prohibited. 3. Taking photos of couples is prohibited. 4. Holding hands between men and women is prohibited. 5. Men and women are prohibited from sleeping together and must sleep separately. 6. Women are prohibited from fetching water from the sacred well. 7. Women are prohibited from ascending to the upper level of the stupa and must remain at the lower level. 8. Shoes must be removed before ascending the stupa. 9. Women are prohibited from wearing pants and must wear a longyi or sarong. 10. Women are prohibited from cooking, and men must prepare food for them, allowing women to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual practice.



Thank you for the information from the internet.

Beautiful pictures from fellow travelers ali asghar pu prateep

We apologize for any errors in the information.

This trip can be considered a meritorious hike, as the destination features a sacred pagoda at the summit. Ten members participated in this trip: Che, P'Poo, Peeทราย, Lung Jeud, Alee, P'Sattha, Jiw, Ton, Ter, and Im.

In addition, a driver and a sergeant will accompany us across the border. Shortly after crossing the border, we will see the D.K.B.A. military headquarters on our right.

Followed by the soldiers' quarters, the temple,

The villagers' houses are still roofed with dried banana leaves, although some have begun to build with concrete and roof with zinc and tiles. I asked why people still roof their houses with dried banana leaves. They told me that until a few years ago, there were constant clashes, with gunfire ringing out all day. If there was a clash, the soldiers would burn down houses and kill the men. The women would be tortured. So the villagers built their houses like this.

These roads and hospitals were built by General Bo Mya, also known as Ong Min, the commander of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) or Karen Goluttabaw (deceased at the age of 55).

Along the way, villagers will collect money to build a temple. Driving further, you will pass through a checkpoint of a force known as the B.G.F.

The journey was dusty, and we had to cover our faces and noses. Looking back at our friends in the back of the car, I couldn't help but laugh. Everyone's bodies and hair were covered in dust, turning their heads a bright red.

I forgot to mention that we stopped to buy a pack of orange juice earlier. Along the way, the driver would get off to pay respects at almost every shrine we passed.

We stopped by the Ban Tano market, where the food and snacks looked unfamiliar, but the drinks resembled those sold back home.

The barren hillsides, devoid of vegetation, stretched as far as the eye could see. The only signs of life were the villagers clearing the land, their fires casting plumes of smoke against the desolate landscape.

Along the way, there are 3 food stalls offering free vegetarian food and herbal drinks. The cooks are all men. That day, I volunteered to help peel the carrots, and they let me try. The people here are very friendly. (Che suggests bringing your own food to cook.)

Soldiers collaborated to build a road leading to the mountaintop. Locals contributed to the construction by donating money for materials such as rocks, cement, and sand. The road was built through the combined efforts of soldiers and villagers, driven by their shared faith. At night, villagers would gather to arrange stones for the road.

"He asked the driver if we could drive ourselves. The driver said yes, but he didn't recommend it because the road is steep and communication is difficult. We wouldn't know that people here honk their horns at corners to warn of oncoming traffic. He agreed that someone unfamiliar with the route could have an accident if they drove themselves."

The second stop is a bathing area where everyone must cleanse themselves. The area is divided into two sections, one for men and one for women. From this point forward, women are required to wear a longyi. A table is provided for applying thanaka to the face, and there are also shops in this area.

The front peak is the site of the stupa.

The top also has a fair number of shops. When we reached the top, Uncle Ja took us to pay our respects at the shrine.

After paying respects at the shrine, we continued our journey up the mountain to the top of the pagoda. From this vantage point, we could see the spot where we would be camping for the night.

Flowers should be brought along as they are not available for purchase there.

A photo of the area before ascending to the pagoda, where women are prohibited from entering.

(Everyone will be seen holding bamboo sticks with bamboo leaves attached to the top. I will explain this further at the end.)

The upper part is the relic of a man, and the lower part is the relic that women can worship.

Wild roses and orchids bloomed profusely along the mountain path.

After paying respects at the temple and reciting prayers, we prepared to walk to our accommodation.

Images of soldiers, weapons, and war have become commonplace.

After arranging their belongings, they began their journey to the campsite.

On the left-hand side of the road, you will find the entrance to the sacred well.

Dwarf trees grow on the ridge.

Some people might think it's just a bamboo plant, but this particular type of bamboo is rare. The "Pai Tao Tiew" bamboo, named after the Karen people, is likely named after the Khao Tao Tiew mountain where it is found in abundance. It has also been observed in the Thung Yai Forest and on a mountain on the Burmese side of the border (name unknown). Information about its presence elsewhere is unavailable. It may be known by different names in other regions. The official name for this bamboo species has not yet been determined.

Wild walker information



This rare bamboo species is found on the peaks of Doi Pha Muang, Mu Lae, and Pha Wi (it seems to prefer high altitudes of 1700-1800 meters and above). At Doi Pha Muang, villagers cut the crown segments to use as amulets for children.

The mountain range in this area is incredibly beautiful, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Upon reaching their destination, they set up camp and went out to take pictures.

Golden meadows with a magnificent view

Exquisitely beautiful.

After that, we all helped to cook. Women were not allowed to cook, but instead sat and enjoyed the view. On this trip, everyone helped to cook. P'Poo made vegetarian duck basil, and Ali fried vegetarian meatballs. However, things almost went wrong, and Uncle Jid had to step in to help with the frying.

After dinner, we sat and enjoyed the evening atmosphere. The air was very cold, so it is advisable to bring warm clothes. There were no places to hang hammocks.

It is recommended to depart from the camp before 10:00 AM due to the intense heat. The return trip will be via off-road vehicle.

This trip would not have been possible without each and every one of you. Thank you for joining me on this adventure.

Brother Sarattha and the younger siblings in the group brought food and snacks to give to the villagers.

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