Prominent Arakanese monk Venerable Tikkhindiya dies at 87

By DMG 18 Jun 2021

DMG Newsroom
18 June 2021, Sittwe

The United League of Arakan (ULA) has sent a message of condolence to the late Venerable Tikkhindiya, who passed away at the Yadana Bodhi Monastery in Yangon’s Insein Township on June 14.

Sayadaw Tikkhidiya was born in Leikkhamaw village in Arakan State’s Kyaukphyu Township and the late monk was the eldest of three children born to father U Maung Pu and mother Daw Pont Pont Ma. The venerable monk died at 87 after 68 years in the monkhood.

According to the Sayadaw’s missionary records, the monk diligently taught the Pariyatti literature to monks who came from all over the country from 1333 Myanmar era until his death, and preserved Arakanese archeological and Buddhist artifacts.

The ULA also paid tribute to the late monk for casting the Maha Labamuni Bronze Image at the Gantgawdaw Ancient Pagoda in Kyaukphyu Township.

In addition, the late monk had worked hard for the betterment of the community since the early 2000s, establishing a library called “A Myo Gon” for Arakanese student monks in Yangon, and establishing the Bodhi Alinn Education Foundation in 2012 to improve the education of young people.

The Sayadaw’s childhood name was Tun San Oo, and he became a novitiate in 1305 Myanmar era at the age of 8. The Sayadaw’s mother sponsored his initiation into the monkhood under the tutelage of U Pannissa, abbot of Kongyi village’s monastery in Lubbata Township, Ayeyawady Region, in 1312 Myanmar era.

The late monk studied Pariyatti literature at various monasteries in Yangon, Myaungmya, Pakkoku, Mandalay and Sagaing, and was conferred the title of Sasana Dhaja Thiripawaya Dhammacariya.

The ULA paid tribute to the late Venerable Tikkhindiya, who it said had done his best for the Buddhist religion and Arakanese literature.