A ceremony to hoist a bejewelled diamond orb and a pennant-shaped vane atop more than 1,000-year old Kyaik Pyinnyaya Pagoda took place in conjunction with the consecration near Bago University in new satellite Oktha City in Bago Township of Bago Region, yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Samgha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa and members of the Samgha.
State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla paid homage to the Buddha Image at the southern arch of the pagoda and offered alms, flowers, water and oil lights.
The Senior General, wife and family offered the bejewelled diamond orb and religious objects and alms to Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw and the pennant-shape vane and alms to Bago Myoma Sayadaw respectively.
The SAC Joint Secretary, council members and Union ministers offered alms to members of the Samgha.
Thanlyin Minkyaung Sayadaw delivered a sermon, and the congregation shared merit gained.
The Senior General, his wife, family and members conveyed the bejewelled diamond orb and the pennant-shape vane round the pagoda by the decorated float. Then, the wife of the Senior General, family members and those present conveyed the bejewelled diamond orb and the pennant-shape vane atop the pagoda.
The Council Joint Secretary, council members, Union ministers, chief ministers of Yangon and Bago regions, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Yangon Command and officials hoisted diamond orbs atop the encircled pagodas. The Senior General offered a golden robe to the pagoda.
The Senior General sprinkled scented water on the stone plaque and sprinkled scented water on the banner post.
The Senior General and wife offered day meals to members of the Samgha and served the guests with lunch.
The Senior General and wife presented cash assistance to supporting groups and philanthropic associations for successfully holding the ceremony.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, wife of the Senior General, SAC Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and wife, SAC members General Mya Tun Oo and wife and Lt-Gen Nyo Saw and wife, and local ethnic people.
Ancient Kyaik Pyinnyaya Pagoda was built by 8th Mon King Gijjhadhiya and queen of Bago-Hanthawady era in 1476 Religious Era, 294 ME. The pagoda is the highest among Kyaik Ponnyaya and Kyaik Malaya pagodas. Sacred Buddha’s relics of successive monarchs and jewellery items donated by people were enshrined at the pagoda. Overall construction of the pagoda completed in 1480 RE, 298 ME. The pagoda has been renovated by governments, Tatmadaw, local people and well-wishers in successive eras. Arrangements were made to hoist a 43-foot-high umbrella atop 204 feet high Kyaik Pyinnyaya Pagoda under the leadership of Bago Dhamma Linkara Monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Visuddha starting from 21 March 2012. The Sayadaw passed away in September 2012 and the renovation process of the pagoda temporarily halted. In accord with the guidance of the Senior General, the renovation process of the pagoda resumed on 19 February 2023. Yesterday, the bejewelled diamond orb and pennant-shaped vane were hoisted atop ancient Kyaik Pyinnyaya Pagoda successfully. — MNA/TTA
