Mount Popa

Mount Popa or Popa Hill is a volcano, said to be extinct, located in central Myanmar (Burma). It can be seen from 60 km (40 mi) away in good weather. Southwest of Mount Popa is the Taung Kalat, a 737 metre (2,417 feet) volcano peak, which is also sometimes called Mount Popa. On top of it is a Buddhist monastery. One can see the ancient city of Bagan to the north west.

Mt. Popa is considered the abode of Burma's most powerful Nats, and as such is the most important Nat worship centre. (Nats are spirits worshipped in Myanmar (formerly Burma) in conjunction with Buddhism. They are divided between the 37 Great Nats and all the rest (i.e., spirits of trees, water, etc). Almost all of the 37 Great Nats were human beings who met violent deaths) Many Burmese pilgrims visit Mt. Popa every year, especially at Festival season on the full moon of Nayon (May/June) and the full moon of Nadaw (November/December). Before King Anawrahta's time (reigned 1044-1077.  ruler of the kingdom of Bagan and the first ruler of a unified Burma), thousands of animals were sacrificed to the Nats during festivals. Burmese superstition says that on Mt. Popa, one should not wear red or black or bring meat, especially pork, as it could offend the resident Nats.

Mt. Popa is an oasis in the desert of central Myanmar. The surrounding areas are arid, but the Mt. Popa area has over 200 water streams. Plenty of trees, flowering plants and herbs grow due to the fertile volcanic ash.

Buddhist monastery on Taung Kalat southwest of Mount Popa photo taken by Ralf-André Lettau

King Anawrahta designated an official pantheon of 37 nats, after he was unable to sanction banning of nat worship. The official pantheon is made up of predominantly those in the royal houses of Burmese history, but also contains nats of Thai (Yun Bayin) and Shan (Maung Po Tu) descent. Listed in proper order, they are:

Thagyamin, considered King of the Nats, is identified with the Buddhist deva Śakra and the Hindu deity Indra. He is often portrayed atop a three-headed white elephant, holding a conch shell in one hand, and a yak-tail whisk in the other .

The other 36 Nats are as follows -