A rare Buddha statue holding a fan was found in the repository of a pagoda in TadaU Township, according to historian and writer Bo Shake (Yadanapura).
“It was found on 11 May when a pagoda in the Shwe Tha Lyaung compound in TadaU collapsed. Its body parts and disciples were only found today (12 May) after debris was cleared,” he said.
As the unique statue consists of two headdressed Brahma figures holding umbrellas, three Sakka statues with fly-whisks, and six monks worshipping, the meditators are not the usual first five disciples of Buddha.
“The strangest thing is the Buddha holding a fan. This type of statue is very rare. We tentatively guess that it is from the early Konbaung era, King Alaungpaya U Aung Zeya’s time, which was the transitional period,” he said.
With Brahma and Sakka together, the statue was believed to be cast for the peace and prosperity of the country, he added.
“In our history, the country was not stable at that time, with many rebellions. They invaded Inwa several times. These enemies were all suppressed after King Alaungpaya came to power. I wonder if this statue was cast and worshipped with the symbol for peace. And it appeared on the Vesak day. So, I believe it is a good omen that Myanmar will be peaceful,” he continued. — Htet Oo Maung/Z
