Nay Pyi Taw, February 28
A ceremony to hoist the golden umbrella atop Aung Dhamma Yaza Pagoda, the replica of the Shwezigon Pagoda, in Ala, Lewe Township, Dhakkhina District, Nay Pyi Taw, and consecrate the pagoda took place this morning. Present on the occasion were Dhamma Yatkhita Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimala and members of the Sangha, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Union Minister Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Union Minister Lt-Gen Ye Aung and wife, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Mya Tun Oo and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, officers and other ranks of Ala Station and their families and invited guests.
First, the Senior General and the congregation received the Nine Precepts from member of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Pobbathiri Township Aungsitha Monastery Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhad-danta Vicakhana and Parittas were recited.
Next, the Senior General and wife, the Vice-Senior General and wife, Union Ministers and their wives and senior military officers presented the diamond orb, the Ngemyatnadaw, tiers of the golden umbrella and offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.
Dhamma Yatkhita Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimala delivered a sermon to the congregation sharing merits gained. The Senior General and wife and party conveyed the diamond orb, the Ngemyatnadaw and tiers of the golden umbrella and went round the pagoda clockwise.
The Senior General and party then enshrined Buddha images at auspicious time. They then hoisted the golden umbrella atop the pagoda with the decorated carriage, and performed ritual of gold and silver showers. Members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda.
After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife, and attendees offered meals to monks. The Senior General and wife sprinkled scented water on the pagoda plaque.
The Senior General and wife presented Buddha images made of flowers and Myanmar translation books of Parittas as Dhamma gifts to attendees, officers, other ranks and families of local station and locals.
The pagoda was built with donations from Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) families, and donors. The ground was consecrated on 26 August 2017, stake-driving ceremony was held on 9 September, brick-laying ceremony on 8 October, shaft to hold the umbrella of the pagoda was erected and Parittas were recited on 11 November, and relics were enshrined and pivot for the umbrella was erected on 27 January, 2018. Golden umbrella was hoisted and consecration ceremony was held today.
