Life at the temples

Myanmar, also known as Burma, abounds in holy places, from the spectacular Shwedagon Paya in Yangon to the old city of Bagan with more than 3,000 temples, shrines, pagodas and stupas.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Two views of a reclining Buddha at a temple in Myanmar. From one angle the Buddha is smiling, while from the other direction he's serious.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM The top of Mandalay Hill offers a dramatic view of the sunrise.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A woman departs from a shrine at the Shwedagon Paya complex in Yangon.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A young girl pours water over a statue to pay tribute at a temple near Mandalay.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A guardian serpent watches over the Shwedagon Paya.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Cattle stroll past nearby stupas in Old Bagan in central Myanmar.