The Taung Kalat shrine in Myanmar, once bustling with pilgrims praying to the flower-eating spirit Popa Maedaw, is now cut off from the faithful due to civil war.
The region of Mount Popa, an extinct volcano, is now a battle zone with checkpoints manned by all sides in the conflict, preventing access to the shrine.
Following the military takeover of Myanmar in 2021, the country has been in turmoil with protests and renewed fighting with ethnic minority armed groups.
The area surrounding Mount Popa, which was previously untouched by conflict, is now heavily affected by the ongoing civil war.
Both the military and the People’s Defence Forces engage in battles, use checkpoints to control roads, and levy taxes on travellers.
Devotees believe the shrine at Taung Kalat honors Popa Maedaw, a guardian spirit who can grant wishes, and the shrine has historical ties to political figures in Myanmar.
As the conflict intensifies in Myanmar, the shrine at Taung Kalat sees fewer visitors and offerings, with the local monkeys becoming more aggressive due to a lack of visitors feeding them.
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