The Maha Muni Buddha Image
The Maha Muni Buddha Image
It is the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. It
is also known as the Maha Myat Muni, or Phaya Gyi. It is the most
ancient Buddha image in Myanmar. It was cast in the life-span of Lord
Buddha in the seated posture of relaxed deportment, namely Bumi Phasa
Mudras, symbolic of His Conquest of Mara.
In B.C 123, in the reign of King Sanda Thuriya, Monarch of
Rakhine-Dharyawaddy, and carry the Image reverently so as to enshrine it
at the present site. It took four months to carry the image reverently
across the Rakhine Yoma Ranges, by inland route and by waterway a tough
and rough journey indeed. The Height of the Maha Muni Buddha Image is 8
Cubits and 1 Maik ( 3.83m ). The altar is 2.13m high. There, 2 bronze
Siamese images, 3 bronze lion images and 1 bronze three headed Ayeyawun
elephants are housed and displayed in the precinct on the left side of
the northern exit passage. Whoever visits Mandalay from local areas or
from abroad unfailingly come and pay homage to the Maha Muni Buddha
Image.
In the precinct of the Phayagyi is located the " Maha Buddha-Win Beikman
", the Museum of the Life of Buddha. It is a many-tiered building with
Myanmar architectural finials. It houses a scenic map showing in old and
current terms the spread of Theravada Buddhism, centered in central
India, Buddha's birthplace, famous religious edifices in various lands,
the routes of Lord Buddha on itinerary, and the routes of King Asoka's
sending Buddhist missions to nine regions of nine countries in A.D 3rd
century. Illustrations are displayed, which indicate the Four Noble
Sites of Lord Buddha, namely, His birthplace, the site where He attained
the Enlightenment, the site where he passed away.
The Buddha Images, representing various countries where Buddhism
prospers well, and the Buddha Images revered through successive eras are
exhibited in the forms of photographs, paintings and sculptures. Not
only Buddhists but also foreigners studying Buddhism pay a visit to this
museum. On the left side of the eastern passage, in the precinct of the
pagoda, is the Sanctuary Pond of Tortoises and on the right side, the
Sanctuary Pond of Fish.
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| The Maha Myat Muni
Buddha Image in Mandalay |
A closer view of the Maha Myat Muni Image |
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