Inspection of Religious Buildings: SAC Chairman paid homage to Maravijaya Buddha Image

Chairman of the State Administration Council, Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by the members visited the Maravijaya Buddha Image which is the world tallest sitting marble Buddha Image situated within the Buddha Park in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory and inspected the situation of damages of the Buddha Image and the religious buildings in the park on the 1st April.

Initially, the SAC Chairman received the clarification of the Chairman of the pagoda board of trustee U Thant Swe, Union Minister for Energy, U Ko Ko Lwin, Director of the Directorate of Military Engineering, Ma-j Gen. Zaw Naing Oo, Union Minister for Construction, U Myo Thant, and other officials, reviewing the details and measurements of the Maravijaya Buddha Image and the Throne.

They conducted daily and monthly checks, comparing the measurements recorded before the earthquake on March 27 with those taken after the earthquake on March 28. After careful inspection, it was found that the datum points had not changed, and there were no signs of tilting, subsidence, or separation of the connected parts of the Buddha Image, confirming that the structures remained intact.

In response to the clarification, the SAC Chairman acknowledged that the Maravijaya Buddha Image’s construction had been designed to withstand strong winds, earthquakes, and natural disasters. This was achieved through systematic calculations, the use of modern technology, and careful construction.

Given this, the Buddha Image and other religious structures had not experienced any displacement or breakage, even after such a strong earthquake. Subsequently, the SAC Chairman, along with the members, visited the Maravijaya Buddha Image, paid homage and offered flowers and water.

They then proceeded to inspect the Buddha Image’s premises and the nearby Gandha Kuti building, checking for any structural damage caused by the earthquake. They also ensured that any minor damages would be repaired accordingly.

Next, the SAC Chairman struck the bell near the Maravijaya Buddha Image and inspected the minor damages sustained in the Aggadhipati Sasana Beikman, gave necessary instruction and paid homage to the Buddha Image in the Beikman. Following the inspection, the SAC Chairman expressed his satisfaction, noting that the earthquake had posed a significant challenge for engineers but that the efforts made in the construction had proven successful in ensuring the long-term stability and durability of the Maravijaya Buddha Image and its surrounding structures.

He emphasized the importance of continuing to maintain and preserve the monastery and Buddha statues to ensure their long term durability and to prevent any further damage from future natural disasters.