Nay Pyi Taw November 21
The Seinbudaw, Ngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Nan Oo Pagoda and gold gilding, Aryonkhamtazaung donation and consecration ceremony of Arthawka Pagoda were held in ancient Mandalay royal city, Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay Region this morning, attended by Sayadaws led by Leading Patron of Maha Wizitayon Pariyatti Monastery in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Vicarindabhivamsa, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Kyaw Swa Lin and wife, invited guests, officers, other ranks and their families and members of religious associations.
First, the Senior General and wife offered meal in emerald alms bowl and flowers, water and lights to the Buddha Image in the chamber. The Senior General and congregation received the Nine Precepts from Leading Patron of Myataung Monastery State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Bhaddanta Inkura, followed by the recitation of Parittas by Sayadaws.
Then, religious rituals were performed. The Senior General and wife donated the Seinbudaw, gold casket, Ngetmyatnadaw and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vicarindabhivamsa.The Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and wife, senior military officers and the command commander donated different tiers of the Shwehtidaw and offertories to Sayadaws. Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Sayadaw of Awaiya Yama Yankin Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Odatasirivamsa delivered a sermon. The congregation shared the merits gained. The Senior General put jwelleries into the gold casket. Next, the Senior General, wife and party went round the pagoda clockwise conveying the Seinbudaw, Ngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw.
On the auspicious time, the Senior General and party hoisted the Seinbudaw, Ngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda by decorated carriage and performed rituals of gold and silver showers to mark the successful ceremony. Then, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla sprayed scented water on the stone inscription to mark the successful ceremony to renovate the pagoda.
The Senior General and wife offered meals in an emerald alms-bowl, flowers and water to Arthawka Pagoda and sprayed scented water on the stone inscription to mark the successful ceremony to build Aryonkhamtazaung. Members of the Sangha consecrated the Nan Oo Pagoda.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife and the congregation offered meals to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Nan Oo Pagoda was built by King Mindon. It is so named because it was built before Myanansankyaw Golden Palace. According to historical data, it was also known as the Lawkahsimee Pagoda so that the Buddha teachings can propagate, the Yanaungmyin Pagoda to mark the victory over elder brother King Bagan or the Thisapyusutaungpyae Pagoda as prayers can be answered and due to King Mindon’s taking of oaths. The Nan Oo Pagoda has now been renovated with the donations made by families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) under the patronage of the Senior General and wife.
The Arthawka Pagoda, located southeast of the Nan Oo Pagoda, was first built by King Siri Dhama Asoka under the name Shwemuhtaw Pagoda. Hermit U Khamti repaired the Arthawka Pagoda recycled by 28 stupas. Now, families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) offered gold foils to the pagoda and built Aryonkhamtazaung.
