Devastation at Landmark Pagoda: Support of all devotees urgently needed

The revered Swan Oo Pone Nya Shin Pagoda experienced extensive damage due to a powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar recently.

The disaster occurred just after the pagoda completed its full-circumference gold foil offering process, making the tragic for devotees across the country.

Constructed long before the rise of the Innwa Era, the pagoda now faces the most devastating losses in its history, with extensive damage to both its core structure and its surrounding precinct.

Chairman, Pagoda Board of Trustees, Soe Win said "Throughout the pagoda’s history, we've never experienced an earthquake like this. It happened right after we completed the full-circumference gold foil offering and then faced this tragedy. We lost so much; it’s hard to find the right words for something like this. A vendor, a photographer and four devotees lost their lives that day."

Members of the Myanmar Police Force, along with volunteer organizations from Sagaing, conducted cleanup operations following the recent devastation.

Among the worst losses were the Buddha image, prayer halls, and stairways, with most of the infrastructure completely destroyed and rendered unusable. One of the most significant losses was the Thet Taw Shay Buddha statue, a tribute to Minister U Ponnya.

Therefore, all devotees across the country were invited to contribute to the reconstruction efforts. Originally built by Minister U Ponnya, the pagoda now urgently needs the support of all devotees for its restoration.