A ceremony to hoist a bejewelled diamond orb, pennant-shaped vane and umbrella atop Shwephonepwint Pagoda took place in conjunction with the consecration ceremony in Tauggyi, Shan State (South), yesterday morning, attended by members of the Sangha led by State Ovadacariya Presiding Patron of Pahtama Mongthauk Buddhism Learning Centre of Nyaungshwe Township Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Sumangala Bhivamsa.
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing paid homage to the Buddha image in Dhammayon of the pagoda and offered alms into the emerald alms bowl, fruits, flowers and water.
The Senior General and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla together with the congregation took the Nine Precepts from the Sayadaw.
The Senior General, his wife and families offered the bejewelled diamond orb and alms to the Sayadaw.
Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members, the patron and chairman of the pagoda board of trustees, Union ministers and the Chief Minister of Shan State offered pennant-shaped vane, jewellery ornaments, and religious objects as well as offertories to members of the Sangha.
They all listened to a sermon delivered by Chairman of Shan State Sangha Nayaka Committee of Taunggyi Presiding Patron of Theintaung Buddhism Learning Centre Aggamaha Pandita Aggamaha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Tejavamta and shared merits gained.
The Senior General and his wife and families together with his entourage conveyed the bejewelled diamond orb, pennant-shaped vane, and tiers of the umbrella by a palanquin around the pagoda clockwise. The Senior General and his wife, and party, together with attendees and ethnic people hoisted the bejewelled diamond orb, pennant-shaped vane and the umbrella atop the pagoda. The Senior General and party fixed them atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on these objects.
A gold plate weighing six ticals was fixed at the plantain bud of the pagoda and sprinkled with scented water.
Members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda and the ceremony ended with a three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
After the ceremony, the Senior General, his wife and congregation offered day meals to members of the Sangha. — MNA/TTA
