The main Buddhist monastery in town, colloquially referred to as Payagyi (Big Pagoda), is an expansive glittering, Disneyland-like compound centred around Shwe Taung Za Paya , an immense gilded stupa.
A sculpture of Dharani, the earth goddess, standing in the corner of one of the compound's main thein is a much-venerated object of worship among the people of Dawei, who rub her breasts, thighs and shoulders for good luck.
