A work coordination meeting on Maravijaya Buddha Image, which is the tallest stone Buddha Statue in seated posture in the world, located in Dekkhinathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Union Territory, was held at Maravijaya Board of Trustees Office in Maravijaya Buddha Park on 19 August.
Present were the main donor Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Adviser to SAC Chairman Lt-Gen Nyo Saw, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant, Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, the deputy minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, and officials.
In his address, the Senior General stressed the following points;
- Despite some difficulties during the erection stage, Maravijaya Buddha Image could be built successfully.
- The account recording total amount of donations was finalized and merits gained were shared on the date the consecration ceremony.
- Best cultural designs were applied in building the most awe-inspiring Buddha Image.
- All the religious buildings, platforms and the whole compound including Maravijaya Buddha Image are marble structures.
- Their wonderful architectural designs and grandeur are matchless and cannot be found anywhere.
- Implementation of such a marvelous project once again may be impossible in terms of the availability of a large marble boulder, the degree of systematic supervision and the situation.
- According to Myanmar traditions, marble is included in the precious and high class gems. Because of its excellent properties, pilgrims can enjoy peace, tranquility and glory and honour. Special attention must be paid in maintaining even the smallest part of the Image.
- Spare parts for maintenance undertakings must always be readily available.
- Systematic maintenance measures are required to make the surrounding areas of the pagoda green, neat and pleasant.
- Meanwhile, the religious buildings need to be maintained.
- Preparations are necessary for the systematic management of everything.
- Any discussions and suggestions are invited for the longterm existence of the Maravijaya Buddha Image.
The concerned officials reported to the Senior General on formation of the Ovadacariya Sayadaws committee, patronage committee, maintenance committee, pagoda board of trustees, advisory committee and support committee to take the measures for maintenance, renovation and management; the measures for the long-term existence of the Buddha Image and stone tablet stupas and other religious buildings so long as the world exists and maintenance of the sacred relics of the Buddha Image, supervisions for maintenance tasks as well as the status of security and other general matters.
After hearing the reports, the leading donor Senior General gave the following instructions to the officials;
- Measures to be taken for preventing undisciplined pilgrimages and to consider ways and means to facilitate pilgrimages of government employees. Plans to be developed to reduce the use of electricity and measures to be taken for supplying drinking water.
- Plans are underway to allow monks, nuns and students to make pilgrimages to the Buddha image free of charge and to collect only 50 per cent of the entrance fees for government employees.
- Entrance fees will be collected as of 3 September to raise funds for the durability, cleanliness and pleasantness of the Buddha image.
- Responsible officials are urged to spend the funds depending on the revenues and gave other necessary instructions.
After the meeting, the Senior General and party paid obeisance in the precinct of the Maravijaya Buddha Image, chamber for Buddha images, precinct where the Maha Bodhi banyan tree has been planted, the fountain square and the Aggadhipati Sasana Beikman and cordially greeted public pilgrims, it is reported.
Source: GNLM (20-8-2023)
- Despite some difficulties during the erection stage, Maravijaya Buddha Image could be built successfully.
- Best cultural designs were applied in building the most awe-inspiring Buddha Image.
- All the religious buildings, platforms and the whole compound including Maravijaya Buddha Image are marble structures.
- According to Myanmar traditions, marble is included in the precious and high class gems. Because of its excellent properties, pilgrims can enjoy peace, tranquility and glory and honour. Special attention must be paid in maintaining even the smallest part of the Image.
- Measures to be taken for preventing undisciplined pilgrimages and to consider ways and means to facilitate pilgrimages of government employees. Plans to be developed to reduce the use of electricity and measures to be taken for supplying drinking water.
- Plans are underway to allow monks, nuns and students to make pilgrimages to the Buddha image free of charge and to collect only 50 per cent of the entrance fees for government employees.