Progress in erecting Maravijaya Buddha Image, which will become tallest stone Buddha Statue in seated posture in the world, explained
NAY PYI TAW July 23
A ceremony to explain the progress in erecting the Maravijaya Buddha Image, which will become the tallest stone Buddha Statue in seated posture in the world, in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Union Territory, was held this morning in the premises of the Image to increase devotion.
Present were the main donor Chairman of State Administration Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chief of General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Maung Maung Aye, union ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, officials, donors who are Sasana Nuggaha title holders, donors from companies and honoured guests.
As regards the progress in erecting the Maravijaya Buddha Image, the Senior General said the attendees, the friends of Dhamma, are playing their respective roles in promoting and propagating the Sasana, developing the socio-economy of the country. Hence, they need have knowledge about the Image, the pride of the country. For the first time, knowledge about the Image was disseminated to Sasana Nuggaha title recipients, officials of local banks and companies, UMFCCI, local TV channels, communication operators, metallurgical industry on 29 June. Information about the Image was also presented to Pro Tem President U Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, Former President U Thein Sein, retired senior military officers and wives for the second time on 8 July. The present is the third clarification session.
The four objectives of erecting the Image are: to show the world that Theravada Buddhism is flourishing well in Myanmar, for the country, Myanmar, to become the center of Theravada Buddhism, for national peace and prosperity, and for global peace and tranquility. Myanmar is a true Theravada Buddhist country that strictly observes the religious rules. The purpose of the Image is to demonstrate the strong foundation of Theravada Buddhism of the country. Myanmar is propagating Theravada Buddhism as its center. National prosperity includes secure and peaceful livelihood of the people, burgeoning of business, peaceful pursuit of education and a secure and peaceful life under the shade of Buddha Dhamma.
Buddhism prioritizes peace, prosperity and loving kindness for world peace. The world will surely be a beautiful place if metal based on Buddha Dhamma can be spread all over it.
In the late 2017, Former Head of State Senior General Than Shwe transferred the huge marble stone donated to him to the Tatmadaw to act as the leading organization in building a Buddha Image. Mining exerts made detailed calculations to excavate the marble boulder.
Mining process began in October 2018 and in March 2019, and an A level rough figure measuring 65 feet in height, 54 feet in length and 20 feet in thickness can be shaped. According to calculations, some parts were reinforced with additional stones.
Of the designs of Buddha images of successive periods, Yadanabon era Bhumi Phassa posture was chosen as the best design for the Image. The country lost independence in 1885, and fell into an age of darkness beginning from 1 January 1886. The country regained independence only in 1948. The nation lost its culture under colonialism. Hence, Yadanabon design was chosen as the last relic of its civilization.
In accord with the tradition, the curving of the Image was based on its height. So, extra supply of marble was sought for the throne and the knee of the Image. As road transport might have difficulties, a careful inspection process was made, and guidance was sought from Ovadacarira Sayadaws to carry the boulders from Sakyin Hill to Hsimeegon port along the Ayeyawady River, and then by road to Nay Pyi Taw in parts.
Because of the enormous size of the boulders, difficulties were encountered during the journey.
Tatmadaw engineering unit and Navy jointly built a canal from the Sakyin Hill to Myaing River to convey the boulders from the hill. They had to dig 92,507 pits in building the 4,583-foot long canal. Moreover, Hsimigon port was also extended for larger vessels.
The conveyance of the boulders began on 3 July 2020. Extra care was provided in safely transporting a total of 8,158 tons of boulders in nine different stages. The conveyance of the boulders by water transport has entered the global record.
All the boulders arrived at Hsimeegon port on 18 September.
A 22 miles and five furlongs long new road was built between the port and Saga-inn roundabout for smooth transport. The journey to Nay Pyi Taw started on 25 January 2021. Detours and road upgrading works were conducted for 1,500-ton and 2,000-ton trucks. In so doing, it took four months. While conveying marble rocks, the country faced COVID-19 period and political crises, so some people missed the chance to comprehensively know conveyance of the rocks.
Marble rocks weighing 7,632 tons were conveyed along the land routes seven times. In this regard, Goldhofer Company of Germany which manufactures Modula Trailers presented a certificate of recognition for conveying the heaviest objects along the longest trip. The world’s heaviest marble rocks were conveyed the longest waterway and land route.
In building the Buddha image,it aimed to grandly build it to uplift the prestige of the State.
The land plot was systematically calculated in line with the advice sought from members of the Sangha from the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. Efforts were made to fully build pagoda, monastery, lake, ordination hall, public rest-houses, bridges and parks. In line with the advice of venerable Sayadaws, Tri Pitakat treatises were carved on the stone plaques in Pali and Romanized languages in the Maravijaya Buddha Park.
The Buddha image was named Maravijaya under the advice of the Sayadaws.
Systematic measures were taken in carving inscriptions on stone plaques of Tri Pitakat treatises in Pali and Romanized languages. Treatises were also printed on quality papers.
Efforts are being made to insert application of treatises into the tablets. Such treatises will be donated to religious centers.
Plans were adopted to carve the Buddha image and park. A creek was straightened in the park with a bridge, the replica of Mingala Bridge at Mandalay Royal City. The foundation structure of the Buddha Image was built with bored piles to be capable of 20,000 tons withstanding.
Parts of the throne were connected and placed systematically and these parts were carved with the use of CNC machines.
The Vijayabhumi Nimmana land of victory was allotted in front of the Buddha image this morning, and it was filled with soils from seven holy areas of Bodh Gaya and lands of victory of 35 eminent pagodas across the nation. So as to ensure magnificence of the precinct and park, the water fountains were built in small and large sizes systematically.
Likewise, Thudhamma public rest-houses were built with the use of teak posts decorated with Myanmar handicraft in traditional styles. These houses will give accommodation to pilgrims and people, and nine feet high marble Buddha image was carved as a scale model for building the actual sized image under the advice of Sayadaws.
Such a sample image was carved by CNC machine.
With regard to construction of the Maravijaya Chamber and Mucalinda Lake, the Senior General explained that as Ovadacariya Sayadaws must be accommodated to look after Maravijaya Buddha image, the Maravijaya Chamber was built there. Mucalinda Lake and Nagayon Pagoda were also built under the guidance of the Ovadacariya Sayadaws in line with the religious treatises.
Moreover, three Kyee trees have been planted there.
Connection of parts of the image was undertaken amid difficulties. Parts of the image were conveyed without mistakes.
At the same time, small pagodas on stone plaque chamber were built in front of the Buddha image. People can view treatises of Tri Pitakat in the chambers when they visit the Buddha image. So, the stone inscriptions were carved in Pali and Romanized languages by modern machinery. Such stone plaque chambers are models of the chambers from Maha Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay.
Members of the Sangha led by rectors from Yangon, Mandalay and Sitagu Sassana universities daily edited stone inscriptions and systematically set records.
In so doing, they systemically carried out land preparations for the stone plaque chambers.
CNC machines were used in carving the stone inscriptions to be finished in time without errors. These chambers were placed in front of the Buddha image for public observance.
They systematically calculated that visitors who observe the stone inscriptions on Tri Pitakat treatises can view the face of Buddha image wherever they come out from the chambers.
Tri Pitakat treatises preached by the Lord Buddha will be located in front of the Buddha Image.
In connecting parts of the Buddha image, they used modern technologies for strengthening the parts. Connection of stone parts and uplifting up the Buddha image were done by engineers from Myanmar Engineering Council and military engineers without any foreign experts. They used the steel flower basket to uplift up the 1,700 tons three parts of the Buddha image. The steel flower basket was installed at 1,500-ton steel crane and 250-ton steel frame for uplifting process. They could uplift up the parts of Buddha image without mistakes.
The conveyance of parts 1, 2 and three of the Buddha Image started on 26 January and they were successfully put onto the throne on 31 January. A ceremony to enshrine relics in the throne took place on 27 January and the second similar ceremony was held on 10 February. The relics and valuable jewelries donated by well-wishers from all corners of the country were enshrined.
For an ordination hall, a large building called Sasana Beikman Agga Dipadi Visongama measuring 296 ft by 213 ft by 94 feet that can house 900 monks and 1,200 laypeople was constructed.
Advice was sought from the Sayadaws regarding finishing touches and robe painting work for the Buddha Image.
Ohnna Mwayshin statue was also installed. The image was constructed from various engineering perspectives so that it has a foundation of about 20,000 tons and is resistant to a wind speed of 120 miles per hour, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake and lightning. When the parts of the image were combined, both conventional and modern techniques were used.
When it comes to the pagoda platform, lawns were also grown.
Chambers were built of marble, and 24 different-style buildings were constructed in a similar style as Atumashi Monastery in Mandalay City. When the temperature is hot outside, pilgrims can pay homage from those buildings. A flagstaff and Thada Dipadi bell were also installed. Escalators have been installed for elderly and disabled people. There is a Bawdi banyan tree in the pagoda precinct. A Lonbani Ingyin forest will be established on the left and right sides of the pagoda. Linlon trees and Lonbani Ingyin trees will also be grown in the west of the pagoda, the Senior General explained. Then, special video clips on the development of a water fountain platform, stone inscriptions and views that can be seen upon completion of the Buddha Image and Park made using drones were shown. The Senior General continued to say that earnest efforts were exerted day and night to build the Maravijaya Buddha Image, which will become the tallest Buddha statue in a seated posture in the world, and the Buddha Park despite various difficulties.
A notification has been issued this morning to confer titles and medals on the Sayadaws, Myanmar Engineering Council, military engineers and other laypeople who actively participated in the construction tasks. Such a detailed explanation was given thinking that it should be made known to all those in attendance that the people participating in the efforts for the sake of the country’s race, religion and Sasana and socio-economic progress of the State are the ones who bring honor to the country. Moreover, they could share merits when they see the construction of the Buddha Image.
After that, those in attendance made cash donations out of goodwill for the Buddha Image, which the Senior General and official accepted. Today’s cash donations made by 377 wellwishers totaled Ks-17.415 billion(Ks-17,415 million).
Speaking a word of thanks, the Senior General said today’s ceremony was to give a briefing on the construction of the Maravijaya Buddha Image and Park with the aim of serving the country’s religious and Sasana interests, improving the socioeconomic growth of the State and honouring those who participated in the construction work. The generous donations of those in attendance will be recorded. Ceremonies to consecrate the Buddha Image hoist umbrellas atop the stone inscription stupas and share merits will take place on 1 August 2023 (Second full moon of Waso (Dhammacakka Day), 1385 Myanmar Era). Those who made donations from the start of a giant marble stone for the Buddha Image to its consecration are indeed founders.
After the above ceremonies, further donations to be made will be subsequent merits.
Invitations are also made to those well-wishers to attend the ceremonies. Then, the Senior General said Sadu for all the generous donations.
Afterwards, those in attendance viewed round the scale models of the Maravijaya Buddha Image and park, Pitakat treatises printed in Pali language and Romanized language and tablet records. The Senior General made a further explanation of the Buddha image.
Later, the attendees viewed and paid homage to the Buddha Image and Park.