Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the tunnel architecture and sitting Buddha image of Maha Hngetpyittaung Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta under the advice of a monk named Shin Arahan in 402 Myanmar Era in NyaungU Township, Mandalay Region.
In the early Bagan period, Pyu Saw Htee conquered five enemies and became the king. He built the pagoda. King Anawrahta built Zetawun monastery called Shin Arahan brick monastery near the pagoda.
According to historical records, 899 tunnels were constructed and donated near the pagoda for the residence of 1,500 monks.
A stone inscription of Shin Arahan carved in both Myanmar and English, a sitting statue of the Shin Arahan, a bird statue, a bird’s den, earthen tunnels, rocky drum and Hmyatha pagoda are situated in the precinct of the Maha Hngetpyittaung Temple.
Visitors can explore Pyankyi Cave to the south of the temple and Setpataw Pagoda to the northwest. — Dipa Lin/ KZL
