Consecration Ceremony: Hoisting diamond bud and new bridge construction

A ceremony to hoist diamond bud, vane and golden umbrella of Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay Region was held on Wednesday, in conjunction with the Consecration Ceremony.

The pagoda was damaged by the Mandalay earthquake, and all-renovation works have been carried out. The ceremony was graced by the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. led by Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Patron Sayadaw of Thanlyin Min Kyaung Pahtama Pyan Sarthintaik Dr Bhaddanta Candimabhivamsa, State Ovada Ceriya Sayadaw, Sangha Raja of Shwe Kyin Sect, Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy and Sitagu Hospital Dr Bhadanda Nyanissara.

Prior to the ceremony, Executive Chief of the State Security and Peace Commission U Aung Lin Dwe paid homage to the Buddha Image, offering emerald alms bowl, golden lotus robe, fruits, flowers, water and light. The ceremony commenced with the three times recitation of Namotasa, and the congregation led by the Executive Chief and wife received the Nine Precepts from the Thanlyin Min Kyaung Sayadaw.

The laypersons later offered holy flower, water, thread and sand to the members of the Sangha who later delivered the parittas. After performing the religious rituals, the Executive Chief and wife offered the diamond bud and offertories to the Sitagu Sayadaw. The Union Ministers also offered the vane and offertories to the Thanlyin Min Kyaung Sayadaw.

This was followed by the offerings of donations to the members of the Sangha by the Chief Minister, Senior Military Officers and Deputy Ministers. The congregation later received the Ovada Gadha and shared the merits gained. Then, the Executive Chief and wife and party conveyed the diamond bud and vane around the pagoda in a clock wise procession.

At the temporary pandal, the Executive Chief and wife and party sprinkled with scented water before conveying atop the pagoda. Then, the diamond bud and vane were hoisted atop the pagoda by the Executive Chief and party. The consecration ceremony then followed, with the participation of 108 members of the Sangha led by the Sitagu Sayadaw.

After the ceremony, the Executive Chief and wife and party donated day meal to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Afterwards, the Executive Chief and party visited the construction site of new Dottawady Bridge. Situated between mile post 358/1 and 4, the new bridge is of reinforced concreted type and it is 1,000 ft long. They inspected the construction progress of 4-lane road is underway and bored piling works. The Executive Chief instructed for meeting the set standard and completion in time, with ensuring work site safety.