NAY PYI TAW February 15
As a centennial anniversary of Maha Muni Buddha Image in Kengtung of Shan State (East), the ceremony to hoist Yadana diamond orb and golden umbrella atop the Image in conjunction with the consecration ceremony on the full moon day of Tabodwe, 1383 ME, 2565 Sasana Era, this morning, graced by Presiding Nayaka of Kengyin Monastery in Kengtung Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Khemacara and members of the Sangha.
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 and family members, Council members Lt-Gen Moe Myint Tun, U Sai Lone Hsai and U Shwe Kyein, Union ministers Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, U Ko Ko, U Hla Moe, Dr Nyunt Pe and Dr Thet Khaing Win, Shan State Chief Minister Dr Kyaw Tun, member of the Advisory Team to the SAC Chairman Dr Daw Yin Yin Nwe, Commanderin-Chief (Navy) Admiral Moe Aung and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Tun Aung and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Myo Min Tun, officials and guests, well-wishers, officers,other ranks and families, religious associations, locals and traditional cultural tourpes.
The Senior General offered the alms in the emerald almsbowl, water, fruits, joss sticks and oil lights to the Maha Muni Buddha Image.
The Senior General and those present took the Nine Precepts from Kengyin Monastery Sayadaw. Laypersons offered Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to members of the Sangha. Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Laypersons scattered Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand in the precinct of Gandakuti Chamber of the Buddha image.
The Senior General and wife offered the Yadana diamond orb and alms to Kengyin Monastery Sayadaw and family members the pennant shaped vane and golden umbrella and alms to Naga Hnakaung Sayadaw. Council members and Union ministers donated offerings to members of the Sangha.
Presiding Nayaka of Hawkham Monastery of Laikha member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Panidta Bhadddanta Subhoga delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.
The Senior General, wife and family members, and party, town elders and locals conveyed the Yadana diamond orb and pennant shaped vane atop the Gandakuti Chamber. Then, they sprinkled scented water on them and performed the rituals of golden and silver showers in commemoration of the successful completion of the ceremony.
Members of the Sangha consecrated the Buddha image and recited Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu three times before concluding the ceremony. The Senior General and wife, and those present offered day alms to members of the Sangha and served the guests with a lunch.
The Senior General and party viewed the brief history of Maha Muni Buddha Image of Kengtung, propagation of Buddhism to Kengtung region, emergence of Gonshan language and literature, Saophas in successive eras and brief history of Kengtung displayed at the museum to mark the centennial anniversary of the Buddha image.
The Buddha Image in Kengtung was cast by sculptor U Thit from Layeintan Ward, west of Myohaung Station in Mandalay with the offer of Kengtung Saopha Sao Kawng Kiao Intaleng in 1921, 1282 ME. After the casting, the parts of the Image were conveyed from Mandalay to Kengtung by carts with goodwill despite difficulties along the road. The Vihara building was built for the image in 1288 ME, and the Buddha Image was conveyed to the building. The image was renovated by governments in successive eras with contribution of local people and well-wishers for long term existence. At present, the Buddha image turns 100 years, and renovation is being carried out for sustainability. As a gesture of honouring the centennial birthday of the Image, the Senior General who is leader of the well-wishers, wife and family members, well-wishers and local people successfully hoisted the Yadana Diamond Orb and the golden umbrella and held the consecration ceremony today.
