Renovation of Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image’s pillars underway, donations sought

By DMG 10 Mar 2021

DMG Newsroom
10 March 2021, Kyauktaw

Some brick pillars at the Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image in Kyauktaw Township, revered as a treasure of Arakanese history, are not strong enough to withstand natural disasters and require donations to structurally fortify and renovate damaged bits, according to its board of trustees.

Ashin Wayarmeinda, a monk from Yadanar Manaung Monastery in Mrauk-U Township, has led renovation work on the pillars since February 24, and the task is scheduled for completion within a year.

U Thar Hla Aung, chairman of the board of trustees, said dozens of the pagoda’s pillars would be repaired.

“All the pillars are cracked. The monk said that if these pillars were not repaired, they would not be able to withstand natural disasters,” he added.

Damaged roofing of the pagoda will also be repaired. Donations can be made in consultation with the pagoda board of trustees, which estimates the total cost to renovate the shrine will be about K2 billion.

A donation centre has been set up on site to facilitate renovations under the supervision of the pagoda board of trustees.

The Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image’s Precinct was renovated during the reign of tycoon U Ray Kyaw Thu in the British colonial era and again during the time of General Khin Nyunt, the former, ousted military intelligence chief.