 The Mahamuni Buddha Temple ( Burmese : <unk> , Burmese pronunciation : [ <unk> <unk> <unk> ] ; also called the Mahamuni Pagoda ) is a Buddhist temple and major pilgrimage site , located southwest of Mandalay , Myanmar ( Burma ) ( Myanmar ) . The Mahamuni Buddha image ( literal meaning : The Great Sage ) is deified in this temple , and originally came from Arakan . It is highly venerated in Burma and central to many people 's lives , as it is seen as an expression of representing the Buddha 's life . 
