History of the Religious Buildings in Taungthaman Village Tract

 Khin Mar Lwin

Abstract It is found that Taungthaman Village tract flourished in Buddhism before the period of Amarapura. Badon min shifted his royal capital form YadanapuraInwa to Amarapura new royal capital for the sake of Buddhism to as a priority. Taungthaman area was also included in flourish of Buddhism in the royal capital of Amarapura. Large and magnificent Pagodas and monasteries are found in Taungthaman. InTaungthaman village, there also appeared many learner monks who were patronized by the king and Buddhist religion also flourished. During the end of Myanmar monarchial rule, Buddhist religion faded in Taungthaman area. However, well traditional Buddhist religion of Taungthamancould thrive after getting the independence. Keywords: Buddhism Introduction It can be found in literature that the people in various countries of the world believed in various religious faiths. These religious faith including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confuciousm, Christianity and Islam spreaded over the world.1 The traditional belief of Buddhism was started by Pyu people in Myanmar history.2 In Myanmar history there emerged Bagan, Pinya, Inwa, Taungoo, Nyaungyan and Konbaung Periods. It is found that the Myanmar kings reigning over the country during these periods were eager to be the good kings as Sāsanādayaka Min Myat (donars). As a result, Buddhism flourished to its zenith during the reign of king Anawrahta in Bagan period. There were various kings who were recorded as they looked after and praised especially over Buddha Sāsanā. These kings were (1) King Anawrahtain Bagan period, (2) King KyaSwa in Bagan period, (3) King Dhanmazediin Hanthawaddy period, (4) King Sinphyu Shin in Hanthawaddy period, (5) Rakhine Min YaZarGyi, (6) King Badon in Kongbaung period and (7) King Mindon in Kongbaung period.3

 Lecturer, Dr, Department of History, Yadanabon University 1 Toe Hla, Shaehoung Myanmar naingganThamine, ancient Myanmar history, NainghtetAung press, Yangon, 2014, p.38 2 Than Tun, Dr, Khit-haung Myanmar Yazawin, (The Ancient History), Maha Dagon press, 1969, p.62 3U Tin, Myanmar-min-oke-choke-pon-sardanhnintBodawphayaeiRazathatKhawAmeint-taw Tan-gyi (Treatise on administration of Myanmar king and Bodawphaya's Great Royal Order called Criminal law), Yangon, Boho press, 1971, p.90 History of Pagodas in Taungthaman Village Tract King Badon, the first founder of Amarapura, shifted his royal capital from YadanapuraInwa royal capital to Amarapura in 1783. The reason for the shifting of the royal capital was claimed as (1) for the benefits of Buddha religious (Sāsanā), (2) for the king, (3) for his generations and (4) for the benefits of the people.4 Due to the activities of king Badon for the prosperity and flourishment of Buddhist Sāsanā as well as for its propagation had effects upon the flourishment of Buddhist Sāsanā in Taungthaman area. Taungthaman village is located on the east of U Bein bridge, the world famous bridge on the southeast of Amarapuratownship where the present Yadanabon University is located. There are some famous Pagodas in Taungthaman village tract such as (1) Kyauk-taw-gyi pagoda, (2) Meigawaddy pagoda, (3) Sutaung Bye ShinbinShwegu pagoda, (4) LawkaSimee Pagoda (5) Chan-thar-gyi and Chan-thar-ya Pagoda (6) Shwe-moth-htaw pagoda, (7) Dat- taw pagodas, (9) Shwe-hlan-bo pagoda, (10) lawkaThara-phuShwe-hlan-bo pagoda and (10) Shwe-ta-nga pagoda. Kyauk-taw-gyi pagoda is situated between two villages of Htan Taw and Taungthaman at the eastern end of U Bain bridge. The Buddha image is 11 taung 2 mite 4 thit in height and it is carved with marble stone and so it is called "Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda." The Buddha image is very well-kown for its right proportion, excellent handiwork, and excellent stone texture. The person who donated the Buddha image was king Bagyidaw. After casting and donating the bronze Buddha image of MahaSakyaThiha, King Bagyidaw got an idea of carving a stone statute for worship.5 Therefore, the king sent Kyaw Si TaikSa-yayKyawSwaThihaNaw-rahta who was skillful in the art of alabaster to look for marble stone for carving Buddha image. A large stone in the measurement of 22 feet in length, 14 feet 4 inches in width, 9 feet 10 inches in thickness was found at Sa Kyin hill at the entrance of the town of Singu. On 25 August 1829, over 6000 people were mobilized to pull down the marble stone from the hill. It took 9 months to carry the large marble stone from Sa-Kyin hill to the royal capital. Over 8250 royal servicemen were used to carry the stone from the harbour to the place in front of Bon KyawKyaung-taik (Monastic establishment) which lasted for nine days. The king himself draw up the style of the Buddha image to be in right proportion. The king himself

4 May Nyunt, "AmarapuraMyo-ti Nan-tiThamaing" (History of Construction of the city and royal palace of Amarapura), M.A Thesis, Mandalay University, 1993, p.10 5PyinNya, Ko, TaungTha Man Wun-kyinThamaingwin Nay-yarMya (Historical places around the TaungTha Man lake), Yangon, Sar-pay loka press, 1996, pp.21-28 chose the lapidaries and servicemen and assigned Nann-kan-kywayWunNay MyoSithu, and Kin-sarShweTaung Zeya Nawrahta to take charge of the work of carving the stone. The king himself made checking the work which was done day and night so that carving of Buddha image was finished soon. The title of the Buddha image was named "MahaSak-kya Yan-thi" which was placed in the brick structure with tired roof in front of Bon KyawKyaungtaik within the compound of Inwa royal palace.6 The successor of king Bagyidaw, king Tharawaddy transferred the royal capital from Inwa to Amarapura. King Bagan who succeded king Tharawaddy got the idea of taking the Buddha image to Amarapura and made clear the bushes around the image. The plot of land to be placed the Buddha image with GandaKutiTaik was chosen at the site between two villages not far away from the royal palace to the west of TaungTha Man lake.7 On 26 April 1849, the foundation was laid down for the construction of GandaKutiTaik. A great cave pagoda with the plinth of 89 taungin diameter and 77 taung6 mitein height was constructed and two enclosure walls were surrounded. PadeinMyo, Ma-be Myosa Pa-be AtwinWunThadoMingyi Min HlaKyaw Thu was assigned to take charge of the construction work which lasted for over one year. Inner walls and ceiling at the four extrance gates of GandaKutiTaik were embellished with mural paintings. The two enclosure walls had the shelter and roof and inner walls were set with MokPauks (Decorated archway). In these MokPauks, 88 statutes of Arahat were carved placing on throne in order to worship. During the reign of King Bagan, Kyauk Maw MyosaMingyiMinhlaThiha Thu and Pa-bèWun(Minister in charge of royal blacksmith) AtwinWun(Privy Councilor) ThadoeMingyiMaha Min HlaKyaw Thu were assigned, by granting over 3000 boatmen to carry the Buddha image on 4 June 1849 from Yadanapura. On 10 July 1849, Buddha image was put on the royal boat with tired roof and the boat was pulled by steamer to Amarapura. The image was placed inside the brick structure with tired roof. On 28 September 1850, a magnificent brick structure with tired roof was built and sacred relics, including 12 gold Buddha images, 20 silver Buddha image, and over 300 gold and silver Buddha images donated by the people were enshrined at the third precinct. In this month, the king had given each a longyi (lower garment) and a turban (head cloth) for 4800 peoples like as royal servants, workers, professionals from brick barrack. King Bagan ordered the learners like monks, laity and

6U MaungMaungTin, KonbaungzetMahaYazawindawgyi (Great chronicle of The Konbaung Dynasty), vol.II, Yangon, Universities, Historical Research Department, 2004, pp.317-319 (Henceforth:MaungMaung Tin, 2004a) 7 U MaungMaungTin, KonbaungzetMahaYazawindawgyi (Great chronicle of The Konbaung Dynasty), vol.III, Yangon, Universities, Historical Research Department, 2004, p.65 (Henceforth:MaungMaung Tin, 2004b) brahman to choose the auspicious day for the placing of Htitaw (tired and ornamented finial of a pagoda) when he heard the finish of constructions of the brick temple together stucco-wall and double fire-break fencing walls for enshrine of MahāSak-kyayan-thi Image. At the auspicious day on 29th October 1850, King Bagan left together with the royal audiences such as queens, princes, princesses, Sawbwas, Myosas and ministers through the street of Nanmatawbridge to MahāSak-kyayan-thi Pagoda by deploying each three troops at front and back. Then, the king placed and donated ShweHti-taw to the pagoda together with Ministers, richmen and people by playing of various musical instruments with slogan- shoutings. The king poured water and dedicated parikkharas such as robe, bowl, etc to forty-one monks after the placing of Hti-taw with seven pinnacles by cannonade. Besides, he granted amnesty for the forty-one male and female prisoners who were sentenced to death. Then, he invoked for these good deeds to the guardian deity of the earth and expressed to bestow benefits for his ancestors. He ordered Taseip (stamp) wun Min HlaKyawHtin to engrave a stone inscription for this temple. On 29 October 1850, the finial in the measurement of 7 taung2mite4 thitin height and 2 taung 4 thit in circumference was hoisted.8 The monks and people within the kingdom go on pilgrimage to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, king Bagan issued order to construct a brick bridge passing through Tungthamanlake as far as the place near MahaSakkyaYanthi pagoda on 3 February 1852.9 The bridge was known as Nanmadawbridge. Nanmadaw bridge is the bridge in straight line which is connected from the park on the road circling the lake to the west of No(2) Central Workshop (EME) up to the middle of Htan taw village. It is known as the merit of king Bagan and it is the bridge made of brick and constructed firmly at four to five feet in height.10 Kyauk Taw Gyi pagoda which was the merit of King Bagan, since its transfer to Yadanabon royal city during the reign of King Mindon, got no more preservation or renovation. Therefore, roof of the GandaKutiTaik became ruined and covered with bushes. The enclosure walls were also tumbled down and ruined. In 1940, U Nyo from Si-mee-tun village who was "Shwe Dah YaThugyi" (Village headman who was awarded gold sword) in the colonial period, made renovations and moved the statutes of Arahatfrom the

8PyinNya, 1996, 33-38 9MaungMaung Tin, 2004b, 81 10 Personal interview with U khwe, 76 age, Htan Taw village enclosure wall to GandaKutiTaik for worship. There was lack of efforts to renovate the ruined pagoda.11 In 1975, under the instruction of MahaGandayonSayadawAshinJanakaBivansa, U TharHtay (Sawmill entrepreneur) and wife DawThan from Mandalay made renovation on the GandaKutiTaik of Kyauktawgyi pagoda. The renovation works were carried out under the auspecious of U TharHtay and U AggaWantha (abbot of Swan SarKyaung fromMahaGandayonTaik) and it was completed successfully in 1980. MahaGandaryonSayadaw assigned U AggaWantha to reside at Ka-ma- htankyaung(monastery for meditation) within the pagoda precinct to look after the pagoda. From that time up to the now, U AggaWantha was recognized as "MahaGandayonMahaNayakaKyauk Taw GyiSayadaw". Nowadays, under the auspecious of MahaNayakaSyadaws of MahaGandayonKyaung-taik, together with Sayadaws of Kyauk Taw GyiKyaung-taiks, Sanghaorganization for the preservation of Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda" was formed. To keep systematically the treasure of the pagoda. "KappiyaKayakaBan-nar- dawHtein A-phwe" (Board of Treasurers) was formed to carry out for the preservation of the pagoda.12 Meigawaddy pagodas are located on the east of Htantaw village and on the north of Yadanabon University. These pagodas are historical pagodas built in the konbaung period. Among maymeigawaddy pagodas three famous pagodas are (1) Shwe-la-wun pagoda, (2) Bontha-Htut-Tin pagoda and (3) Bontha-Chit-Shin13 pagoda. The stupas were built in a straight direction from the east to the west. Shwe-la- wun pagoda is the easternmost ceti which no stone inscription as evidence. As the ceti was ruined for its longer age the ceti was repaired under the leadership of Sayadaw U jagara, the resident sayadaw of shwe-bon-tha monastery. A parabaik written with 500 golden cetis and 500 silver cetis were enshrined as the donation of BhamawMyowun(town officer) U Shwe Toke was found in the treasury of the ceti. It is also found that in 1837, when king Thayawady ascended to the throne, the king rewarded BhamawMyowunMahaMinhlaYaza with the insignia and accounter-ment as rewarded by his brother king. The evidence that BhamawMyowun U Shwe Toke served both king

11 Aye Aye Khaing, "stupas and Temples in Amarapura", M.Res Thesis, Yadanabon University, Department of History, 2008, p.3(Henceforth: Aye Aye Khaing, 2008) 12MahaSakkyaYanthiKyauk Taw GyiPhayaThaminea-kyin (A brief History of MahaSakyaYantniKyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda), Conqueror Computer Service, Amarapura 13 Bell inscription of Bontha-Htut-Tin and Bon-thar-chit Shin, Kyauktawgyi pagoda, Taungthaman Village Bagyidaw and king Tharawady under the title of MahaMinhla-yazar was found.14 Bon-tha- htut-Tin ceti was built in 1853 by MeigawaddySayadaw who was worshipped by kongbaung kings. Sayadaw enshrined the bone relics of ShwekyinSayadaw, slippers, betel box, utensils and parikkharas as his gratitude towards Shwekyinsayadaw at the foot of the ceti at first. Then sayadaws enshrined buddha relics, golden images, silver image, bronze image and shin-u-pa-gutta image in the treasury of the stupa. The costs for bricks and masonry charges in the construction of the ceti were excerted by the donar and donees in Taungthaman village. A large amount of rice and parikkharas etc. were donated to sanghas (monks), on the day of enshriment into the stupa. After the completion of the construction of two lions figures on each side on the four direction gateways and great wall, the ceremony for erecting the pagoda-umbrella commencingwith the umbrella erecting ceremony was held for the donation of the sanghas and musical entertainment. The ceti was awarded with the title of Bon-tha-Htut-Tin with the intention to be perpectuate for the whole 5000 years of Buddhist Sāsanā. The disciples of Sayadaw, relatives and lay disciple devotees accompanied in various donation with sayadaw as a sign of fulfilling the practice of sayadaw for perfections. In these donations, thway-thauk- gyi Nay-myo-pyin-nya-kyaw-swa who was skilful of stone inscription, masonry and stone sculpture was appointed as the incharge. Among these meritorious deeds quartz umbrella, stone bell lifted by two ogres, stone bowl, stone fire-sticks, bhudhisatta elephant and quail, tortoise for relieves of head ache and waist ache, crocodile figure, etc. were made of stone sculpture. Moreover, the old the sabbath-observer, four divine kings, dragon, hermit figures and four ogres of Nga-taung-tha-man, Nga- taung-gyi, Ngataungmyint and Ngataungpyone were sculpted as the retinues of lord Buddha. Moreover, Daw Mei Hnih, the monastery donee of Meigawaddysayadaw donated two five room rest-house, brick- well, brick water pot-stand and the sanghas use toilet at suitables places. At the time of donation for various meritorious deeds and stone umbrella erecting, from 400 to 500 sanghas were offered with alm-food and India made stone candles to sanghas and the people were hospitable with foods while the sabbath-observers (persons who is keeping Sabbath) and the participants were given with head wear, handkerchief, cotton cloths etc. Meigawaddysayadawdetermied to select the full-moon day of Natdaw month as the pagoda festival day, Sayadaw asked to make various donation for alm-food offering to sanghas and flame light offerings such as fire-lantern. Fire ballon, fire stair case, fire-

14 PyinNyaWun Sa, BhammawShwekyinaMahacetihninAikkhawtawcetiphayathamine (History of Bhammaw ShwekyinaMahaceti and Aikkhawtawceti), 1993, p.38 decoration and fire works etc. Sayadawshared his meritorious deeds to his parents, brother, relatives, shwekyinsayadaw and king Bagan.15 In accordance with the sayadaw's order, the pagoda festivals were held on the full-moon day of Nattawmonth. Crowdedly with food-offering ceremonies and drama and puppet plays. The sport competition were held in the day times, that it was a very famous crowded pagoda festival during that period. In 1959, Shwe la bon sayadaw U keit-ti hosted with shwe-man AungKyawNyunt drama troupe because he received donation of a charity from MyintNgekathina.16 In the adjacent area on the west of Bontha-Htut-Tin pagoda lies Bontha-chit-shine ceti. It is found that the ceti was also named la-phone ceti.17according to the finding in the treasury of the ceti when it was repaired. The local people enshrined the bone relics of MeigawaddySayadaw into the ceti. It can be assumed that the ceti was enshrined with the bone relics of Meigawaddysayadaw in the first like that of enshrining in Bon-tha-htut-tin ceti and then the gold and silver cetis were enshrined by the devotees, sangha disciples, relatives, donars and donees. Su-taung-pye shin-pin shwe-gugyi pagoda is located on the east of Taungthamanbridge. It is a very reverablepleasent ancient stupa. It was said to be built by prince and princess shwegu during konbaung period. The names, prince and princess shwegu were found during the reigns of king Badon and king Mindon. The Buddha image found in the eastern cave of the pagoda was similar to the Buddha image in the eastern cave of Shwe-gu-gyi pagoda in Amarapura town. As the Buddha image of Shwe-gu-gyi pagoda was assumed to be the art in the early konbaung period.18 It can be assumed that Shin-pin Shwe-gu-gyi pagoda was donated by the prince and princess of Badon's son and daughter.19 Lawkasimee pagoda was an ancient pagoda located on the bank of Taungthamanlake in simeetun village. The pagoda could remain uncollapse at down although the trees in the surrounding areas fell down due to the water erosion by the floods during the rainy season.20 As a result, the pagoda was renovated by U kaw-than-la,

15 Stone inscriptions of Bontha-Htut-Tin pagoda, near meigawaddy pagoda, Htantaw village, (Henceforth: Bontha-Htut-Tin stone inscriptions) 16 Personal interview with U Wunnathara (abbot), 56 age, Shwe-la-bon monastery, Htantaw village 17 Personal interview with U Jargara (abbot), 63 age, Shwe bon thamonastry, Htantaw village 18 Aye Aye Khaing, 2008, 3 19MaungMaung Tin, 2004a, 96, 160 20 Personal interview with U Hlaing, 90 age, SimeeTun village residence monk ofWai-jayan-ta monastery and lay disciples and the Pagoda is nowadays seen as a very adorable sitting style Buddha image. Chan-tha-gyi and Chan-tha-ya pagoda is located on the southeast of Taungthaman village. Chan-tha-ya pagoda lying on the south was built in 1921 and the Buddha image is found in it cave with stone inscription of 1919 by the donar. It is traditionally assumed that Chan-tha-gyi pagoda on the north was older. Shwe-moth-htaw pagoda was very reverable, ancient pagoda, lying on the south of Taungtha man village. Traditionally, the pagoda was one of 84000 stupas donated by kingThiriDhamaThawka. The pagoda was once nine taung pagoda and around 1998, the pagoda was renovated by Mya-Taung-Nyosayadaw. Therefore, the pagoda nowadays have 31 feet at the plinth with a height of 31 feet.21 Dat-taw (Relics) stupas are located on the southeast of Shwe-moth-taw pagoda. They are the ancient pagodas without known donars and year of building.22 Shwe-hlan-bo pagoda is located on the southeast of Dat-taw pagoda. The pagoda was built in the place of Shwe-hlan-bo village which existed during Myanmar monarchal period. The pagoda is assumed to be built by Shwehlan (gold spear) servants.23 On the South of Shwe-hlan-bo pagoda lies law-kathara-phushwe-hlan-bostupa which is assumed to be built by princess Saw MyatThiri Mar Lar, younger sister of prince Shwe- hlan-bo during the reign of first Inwa Min-khaung.24 As the damages of the stupas were repaired during the successive period, the stupasexisted as the magnificent adorable stupas. Shwe-ta-nga (gold fisher) pagoda is located Oebo village. The location of the pagoda is on a distant area from oebo village in a water-flooded position. There, a high brick foundation was built since the time unknown. The area is called as Shwe-tan-gakone by local people during the successive periods. As shwe-ta-ngakone is a flat isolated hill lock, shwe-bon-thasayadaw U jargaya, the chairman of SanghaNaraka committee of Taungthaman village tract built a stupa in 2010, to pay homage for the Sangha and the people.25

21 Personal interview with U Ariya (abbot), 56 age, Shwe-moth-htaw monastery, Taungthaman village 22 Personal interview with U MyaHtay, 80 age, Taungthaman village 23 Personal interview with U Wunnithara, 50 age (abbot) of Shwe-hlan-bo monastery, Taungthaman village 24 Stone inscription of LokkaTharaphuShwehlanbo, LokkaTharphuShwehlanbo pagoda 25 Personal interview with U Jargaya (abbot), 63 age, Shwebontha monastery, Htantaw village Conclusion Amarapura was founded by king Badon with the intention for the perpetuation and propagation of Buddhist religion which is nowadays flourishing. There are large and magnificent pagodas in the town. Besides, there emerged very famous, well versed and capable of serving the interests of the country and Buddhist religion. It is found that religious acts and activities of Taungthaman village tract participated in a role flourishment of Buddhism in the old royal capital. Taungthaman village has been pleasantly and magnificently seen with pagodas and monasteries established by the kings, queens, royal family, servants and wealthy persons. The religious role of Taungthaman was made more significant when king Baganmoved the kyauktawgyi Buddha image from Inwa to Taungthaman village, making brighter religion. At present, Buddhism flourish in Taungthaman village tract like the shining sun and moon. The flourishment of Buddha sāsanā is meant to peaceful conditionand prosperity of the people and the country.

Acknowledgements I express my gratitude to Rector Dr. MaungMaungNaing, Pro-rector Dr. Si Si Khin and Pro-rector Dr. Tin Moe Thu Zar of Yadanabon University for their kind permission for the submission of this research Paper.I would like to thank Dr. HtunHtunShein, Professor and Head of Department of History and Dr. Khin Lay Yi, Professor of Department of History, Yadanabon University for their permission to present this paper.

References Primary sources Bell inscription of Bontha-Htut-Tin and Bon-thar-chit Shin, Kyauktawgyi pagoda, Taungthaman village Stone inscriptions of Bontha-Htut-Tin pagoda, near meigawaddy pagoda, Htantaw village Stone inscription of LokkaTharaphuShwehlanbo, LokkaTharphuShwehlanbo pagoda Public Books in Myanmar Hlaing, U, phaung taw OophayarThamine (pagoda History of phaung taw oo), new Burma press, 1983 MahaSakkyaYanthiKyauk Taw GyiPhayaThaminea-kyin, (A brief History of MahaSakkyaYantniKyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda), Conqueror Computer Service, Amarapura MaungMaungTin, U, KonbaungzetMahaYazawindawgyi (Great chronicle of The Kongbaung Dynasty), vol.II, Yangon, Universities, Historical Research Department, 2004 MaungMaungTin, U, KonbaungzetMahaYazawindawgyi (Great chronicle of The Kongbaung Dynasty), vol.III, Yangon, Universities, Historical Research Department, 2004 PyinNya, Ko, TaungTha Man Wun-kyinThamaingwin Nay-yarMya (Historical places around the TaungTha Man lake), Yangon, Sar-pay loka press, 1996 PyinNyaWunSa, BhammawShwekyinaMahacetihninAikkhawtawcetiphayathamine (History of BhammawShwekyinaMahaceti and Aikkhawtawceti), 1993 Than Tun, Dr, Khit-haung Myanmar Yazawin, (The Ancient History), Maha Dagon Press, 1969 Tin, U, Myanmar-mi-oke-choke-pon-sardanhnintBodawphayaeiRazathatKhawAmeint-taw Tan-gyi (Treatise on administration of Myanmar king and Bodawphaya's Great Royal Order called Criminal law), Yangon, Boho press, 1971 Toe Hla, Shaehoung Myanmar naingganThamine (Ancient Myanmar history), NainghtetAungPress, Yangon, 2014 Research Papers Aye Aye Khaing, "stupas and Temples in Amarapura", M.Res Thesis, Yadanabon University, Department of History, 2008 May Nyunt, "AmarapuraMyo-ti Nan-tiThamaing" (History of Construction of the city and royal palace of Amarapura), M.A Thesis, Mandalay University, 1993 Personal Interviews Personal interview with U Ariya (abbot), 56 age, Shwe-moth-htawmonastry, Taungthaman village, 12.1.2020 Personal interview with U Hlaing, 90 age, simeetun village, 12.1.2020 Personal interview with U jagara (abbot), 63 age, Abbot of Shwe-bon-tha, monastery, Htan taw village, 25.12.2020 Personal interview with U khwe, 76 age, Htan Taw village, 11.1.2020 Personal interview with U MyaHtay, 80 age, Taungthaman village, 30.1.2020 Personal interview with U Wunnathara (abbot), 56 age, Shwe-la-bon monastery, Htantaw village, 15.1.2020 Personal interview with U Wunni-thara (abbot), 50 age, Shwe-hlan-bomonastry, Taungthaman village, 11.1.2020

Photo (1) Gandakutitaik of Kyauk Taw Gyi PagodaPhoto (2) Kyauk Taw Gyiimage

Photo (3) Shwe-La-Wun Photo (4) Bonthahtuttin and Photo(5)SutaungpyeShinpin pagoda Bonthachitshin Pagodas ShweGugyi Pagoda

Photo (6)Chanthagyi and Chanthaya Pagodas Photo(7)Shwe-Moth-Htaw Pagoda

Photo (8) Dat-taw (Sacred relic) pagodas

Photo (9) Shwehlanbo pagoda Photo (10) Lawka Tharaphu Shwehlanbo pagoda

Photo (11) Law-ka-simee pagoda Photo (12) Shwe-ta-nga pagoda