Kakku Ruins

The history of Kakku is said to date back to 300 BC, which is certainly possible. But as with many things Myanmar, nobody seems to know for sure. What is more apparent is the Bagan Dynasty influence  of King Alaung Sithu.

The Kakku ruins are located about 15 miles from Taunggyi near Mway Taw Village. Once rarely visited, the site now boasts a parking lot. Just the same, it’s off the tour bus route thus far and certainly not over run.

The zedis and temples come in two basic styles. The “Yun” (pictured) are named for a dominant Shan tribe.  The other is Bagan era style, begun by King Anawratha and later spread by the intrepid King Alaung Sithu, who liked to sail around in his royal barge and look for places to plant new pagodas. Kakku was apparently one of them. Legions of other pagodas were added over the centuries in various other styles. At last official count in 1928, the grand total stood at 2,548. Let us know if any are missing.