Nay Pyi Taw December 18
Historic Hsandawshin Kyaikdaewi Pagoda renovated in multiple sectors, with hoisting diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane and consecration
Historic Hsandawshin Kyaikdaewi Pagoda was renovated in multiple sectors with hoisting a diamond orb and a pennantshaped vane in addition to the consecration on Thiri Mingala Hillock in Indaing region of Hlegu Township of Yangon Region this 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 Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Dhamma Kathikabahujana Hitadhara Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Dr Bhaddanta Chekinda (Dhammaduta 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 Commanderin- 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. Laypersons scattered Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand in the precinct of the pagoda.
The Senior General, wife and families donated diamond orb, pennant-shaped vane and alms to 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. They all listened to a sermon, delivered by Dhammaduta Monastery Sayadaw and shared merits gained.
The Senior General, wife and families and party conveyed the diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane and rounded clockwise. At the auspicious time, the diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane were conveyed by the decorated float atop the pagoda. Then, these objects were sprinkled scented water. Later, the rituals of golden and silver showers were performed to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.
Then, the members of the Sangha concluded the consecration ceremony by reciting threetime recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. Afterwards, the Senior General and wife opened the stone manuscript by spraying scented water on it and sharing the merits by striking the bell nine times. Then, the Senior General signed the visitor’s books of the pagoda. After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife and the congregation offered the day-time meals to members of the Sangha and hosted lunch meals for the guests. The historic Kyaikdaewi 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. Kyaik means pagoda, Day means hill and Vi means Hills. In Sasana Year 1970 or 788 ME, during the reign of King Banya Dhammayaza 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 word 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 residents sent to Ovadacariya Sayadaw with the donation of well-wishers.
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