Consecration Ceremony: Restoration of Nay Pan La Pan Ancient Pagoda

A ceremony to hoist a golden umbrella, vane, and diamond bud atop the Nay Pan La Pan Ancient Pagoda took place on Wednesday in Sein Sar Pin Village of Zeyathiri Township in the Union Territory Nay Pyi Taw.

The event was held in conjunction with the consecration ceremony of the pagoda, graced by the presence of the Patron Sayadaw of Pali University MingalaZayyon Monastery and members of the Sangha. Before the ceremony, Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing donated an emerald rice bowl, fruits, flowers, water, and light to the Buddha image.

This was followed by enshrining the repositories inside the diamond bud. The ceremony began with the recitation of "Namotasa" three times, after which the congregation, led by the Prime Minister and his wife, received Nine Precepts from the PaliSayadaw. Laypersons later offered holy flowers, water, thread, and sand to the Sangha members, and listened to sermons. The offerings were then spread on the sacred ground of the pagoda.

The Prime Minister and wife later presented the golden umbrella, vane, and diamond bud to the PaliSayadaw, along with other donated offertories. The Joint Secretary of the State Administration Council and members also donated offertories to the members of the Sangha. Following the sharing of merits gained, the Prime Minister and wife, and party, conveyed the golden umbrella, vane, and diamond bud around the pagoda in a clockwise position.

At the auspicious time, the ceremonial items were hoisted atop the pagoda and sprinkled with holy scented water. Then, the consecration ceremony of the Nay Pan La Pan Ancient Pagoda followed.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister and wife unveiled the stone inscription and struck the golden bell. Archaeologists from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture estimate that the four Nay Pan La Pan Ancient Pagodas were established over 300 years ago in the Nyaung Yan Era. Discovered by the father and uncle of present residing Sayadaw of ThukhaYadana Monastery in 2005, the pagodas underwent renovation through collective donations from the Prime Minister and wife, families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air), and well-wishers, aimed at flourishing and propagating Buddha Sasana and safeguarding the ancient cultural heritage.