Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and officials, paid homage to ancient pagodas in Bago of Bago Region yesterday morning.
More than 1,000 years old historic Kyaikpyinnyaya Pagoda
The Senior General viewed the renovation of the more than 1,000 years old historic Kyaikpyinnyaya Pagoda located near Bago University in the new Oktha town of Bago Township and offered flowers, water and oil light to the pagoda. The Senior General and party made cash donations for the pagoda to the Bago Region chief minister.
Officials reported on the progress of renovation work at the pagoda and future tasks. The Senior General stressed the need to systematically calculate renovation tasks for long-term endurance. The Senior General called for the construction of upper, middle and lower terraces to accommodate pilgrims. As it is a pagoda built by Mon ethnics, the architectural works must comprise that of Mon ethnics.
The Senior General viewed renovation tasks at the pagoda and gave necessary guidance to officials.
Sutaungpyae tooth relic Mahazedi Pagoda
The Senior General made a cash donation for the Sutaungpyae tooth relic Mahazedi Pagoda built by Hanthawady Hsinbyumyarshin King Bayintnaung in Mazin Ward of Bago.
After visiting the pagoda, the Senior General instructed officials to maintain the pagoda for its long-term existence.
Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha Image
The Senior General paid homage to Shwethalyaung’s reclining Buddha image. The Senior General and his wife donated cash to the fund of the Buddha image for all-round renovation.
The Senior General urged officials to continuously maintain the pagoda for long-term existence, cleanliness and magnificence.
The Senior General viewed round the religious utensil and traditional product shops in the prayer hall.
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
The Senior General made a cash donation for the renovation of Shwemawdaw Pagoda through officials. The Senior General and party paid homage to Sutaungpyae Bilu Yannaing Pagoda on the upper terrace.
After viewing round ancient Buddha images, ornaments and utensils displayed at the museum of the pagoda, the Senior General gave guidance that as ancient objects show history, it is necessary to systematically maintain them.
Kanbawzathadi Palace
On arrival at Kanbawzathadi Palace, the Senior General viewed round teak posts excavated from the place of the ground tier-roofed hall, maintenance of the palace, royal equipment used by ancient kings in the palace museum, ancient Buddha images and ancient objects displayed in Hanthawady archaeological museum, and display of Bhamayathana Throne hall.
After hearing the reports, the Senior General noted that it is necessary to promptly maintain the Kanbawzathadi Palace. Ancient objects must be displayed for convenient observation by visitors. The chariot of King Bayintnaung must be renovated to its original size. The palace area must be beautified and officials need to strive for re-excavation of ancient Hanthawady Palace.
King Bayintnaung built 3,400 square metres of Kanbawzathadi Palace with 20 gates in Hanthawady region in 915 ME (1553 AD). The king passed away at the age of 66 in 943 ME (1581 AD). In the reign of his son King Nanda, Kanbawzathadi Palace was set on fire. The Department of Archaeology excavated the lost palace from early 1990 to 1997. The excavation started on 13 December 1993 for the ground tier-roofed hall and then the foundations of the ground tier-roofed hall, Sanu Hall, left-wing hall and right-wing hall were found. The remaining teak posts were also found there, and some teak posts were impressed with donor names. The buildings of the palace were rebuilt as a replica in line with the foundations and records. And, the palace is crowded with visitors. — MNA/TTA
