As a centennial anniversary of Maha Muni Buddha Image in Kengtung of Shan State (East), the ceremony to hoist Yadana diamond orb and golden umbrella atop the Image in conjunction with the consecration ceremony on the full moon day of Tabodwe, 1383 ME, 2565 Sasana Era, yesterday morning, graced by Presiding Nayaka of Kengyin Monastery in Kengtung Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Khemacara and members of the Sangha.
Also present at the ceremony were Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and family members, Council members and Union ministers.
The Senior General and wife offered the Yadana diamond orb and alms to Kengyin Monastery Sayadaw and family members, the pennant shaped vane, golden umbrella and alms to Naga Hnakaung monastery Sayadaw. Council members and Union ministers donated offerings to members of the Sangha.
Presiding Nayaka of Hawkham Monastery of Laikha member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhadddanta Subhoga delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.
The Senior General, wife and family members, and party, town elders and locals conveyed the Yadana diamond orb and pennant shaped vane atop the Gandakuti Chamber.
Members of the Sangha consecrated the Buddha image. The Senior General and wife, and those present offered day alms to members of the Sangha and served the guests with a lunch.
The Senior General and party viewed the brief history of Maha Muni Buddha Image of Kengtung, propagation of Buddhism to Kengtung region, the emergence of Gon Shan language and literature, Saophas in successive eras and a brief history of Kengtung displayed at the museum to mark the centennial anniversary of the Buddha image.
The Buddha Image in Kengtung was cast by sculptor U Thit from Layeintan Ward, west of Myohaung Railway Station in Mandalay with the offer of Kengtung Saopha Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng in 1921 AD, 1282 ME. After the casting, the parts of the Image were conveyed from Mandalay to Kengtung by cart with goodwill despite difficulties along the road. The Vihara building was built for the image in 1288 ME, and the Buddha Image was conveyed into the building. The image was renovated by governments in successive eras with the contribution of local people and well-wishers for long term existence. At present, the Buddha image turns 100 years, and renovation is being carried out for sustainability.
As a gesture of honouring the centennial birthday of the Image, the Senior General who is the leader of the well-wishers, wife and family members, well-wishers and local people successfully hoisted the Yadana Diamond Orb and the golden umbrella and held the consecration ceremony yesterday. —MNA
