Flourishing of Sasana: Sidagu Chancellor visits religious sites in Lumbini

The Most Venerable State Ovadacariya Sangha Raja of Shwekyin Nikaya Buddhist Order, the Chancellor of the Sitagu International Buddhist Academies, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Sitagu Sayadaw Dr. Nyanissara, visited Nepal as a distinguished guest of the Right Hon’ble K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of the Government of Nepal. 

On November 27, the Sitagu Sayadaw arrived in Kathmandu and he was welcomed by monks and nuns from the World Peace Temple and Dharma Kirti Vihar, as well as the Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal and embassy staff and their families.

On the 29, during his visit to Lumbini, he was received by officials from the Lumbini Development Trust, local administrators, two monks from the Myanmar Golden Temple, and religious officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. At the World Peace Temple in Kathmandu, the Sitagu Sayadaw donated 100 sets of robes. He also visited the famous Swayambu Temple in Kathmandu.

The Sayadaw also attended the 3rd Convocation of Lumbini Buddhist University and the 20th University Day held at Lumbini Garden with the Nepalese Prime Minister. Whilst in Lumbini, he visited the Myanmar Golden Temple, and paid homage to the replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda, known as the Lokamani Cula Pagoda, and inspected the Asoka pillar replicas donated by patrons, addressing their maintenance needs.

The Sitagu Sayadaw discussed with the Ambassador and suggested about the renovation of religious buildings at the Myanmar Golden Temple and accommodations for pilgrims upon the presenting documents.

The Myanmar Golden Temple in Lumbini, Myanmar’s first religious structure in Nepal, features the Lokamani Cula Pagoda, a 72-foot replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda. It was established in May 1995 through the generosity of the Myanmar government and its people. While staying in Lumbini, the Sitagu Sayadaw visited the “Maya Devi Temple” and the “Thousands of Buddha Temple”.

During his visit, the Sayadaw delivered Vipassana teachings to the audience. He also attended the "International Seminar on Exploring Gautama Buddha’s Teachings on Peacekeeping and Sustainable Development" at Lumbini Buddhist University.

In his speech, he emphasized on the importance of peace, noting that peace is crucial not only for the whole world but also for individuals.

On 1 December, the Sayadaw received offerings from the staff of the Myanmar Embassy and their families. On the same day, Sidagu Sayardawgyi was seen off by the Myanmar Ambassador and the Embassy Staff at the Tribhuvan International Airport.