Historic Santawshin Kyaikdevi Pagoda renovated in multiple sectors, with hoisting diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane and consecration

Historic Santawshin Kyaikdevi Pagoda was renovated in multiple sectors with hoisting a diamond orb and a pennant-shaped vane in addition to the consecration on Thiri Mingala Hillock in Indaing in Hlegu Township of Yangon Region yesterday morning, the fullmoon day of Nadaw, 1383 Myanmar Era and 2565 Sasana Era, graced by members of the Sangha led by Ovadacariya of Tri Pitaka Selection Committee member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Naradabhivamsa (Sakkasiha, Cetiyangana and Government Dhammacariya Vatamsaka) Pali Paragu Presiding Nayaka of Bahan Nyaungdon Monastery, and Pro-Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kathikabahujana Hitadhara Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Dr Bhaddanta Chekinda (Dhamma Duta Sayadaw).
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, members of the State Administration Council Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, General Maung Maung Kyaw and wife, Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, Council Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and wife, Union ministers, the chief minister of Yangon Region, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Yangon Command, the Yangon mayor, guests, well-wishers, officers, other ranks and families, in addition to religious associations and local people.
The Senior General and wife, and the congregation took the Nine Precepts from the Presiding Patron of Bahan Nyaungdon Monastery. Laypersons offered Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to members of the Sangha. Next, the congregation listened to Parittas recited by members of the Sangha.
The Senior General, wife and families donated diamond orb, pennant-shaped vane and alms to the Presiding Patron of Bahan Nyaungdon Monastery, and members of the State Administration Council, union ministers, and those presented donated alms to members of the Sangha.
The Senior General, wife and families and party conveyed the diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane and rounded the pagoda clockwise. At the auspicious time, the diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane were lifted by the decorated float atop the pagoda. Then, these objects were sprinkled with scented water. Later, the rituals of golden and silver showers were performed to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.
The historic Kyaikdevi Pagoda was the fourth of the seven pagodas built by King Karaviaka of Hanthawady Dynasty and the pagoda was built in 1489 Sasana Year or in ME 307. In Sasana Year 1970 or 788 ME, during the reign of King Dhamma Raza, the pagoda was first renovated to the height of 75 cubits. In 2160 Sasana Year or in 978 ME, the King Anaukphetlun renovated the damaged pagoda to the height of 80 cubits. Then, the pagoda was damaged by earthquakes and the second world war and the government, the pagoda board of trustees, the public and the well-wishers carried out all-round renovation of the pagoda under the request of the local people sent to Ovadacariya Sayadaw with the donations of well-wishers.—MNA