Pagodas around Mrauk U
The Myatanzaung Pagodas
The Myatanzaung Pagodas lie to the north of
Laymyetnha Pagoda at a distance of 500 feet. There
are two pagodas named Eastern Myatanzaung and
Western Myatanzaung. These pagodas are situated on a
hillock, 40 feet high. The main structures of these
pagodas are constructed of blocks of pure sandstone.
But turrets, staircases and walls were built of
bricks.
Minsawmon, the King of Mrauk-U Dynasty, erected
these pagodas in 1430 A.D. These two are of the same
type, measuring 120 feet in circumference, and 50
feet high.
The Mokseik Taw Pagoda
To the north of Myatanzaung and at a distance of
300 feet is the Mokseik taw Pagoda. It stands on a
hillock, which rises to 100 feet. King Minsawmon
erected the pagoda in 1430 A.D. According to the
chronicles, Mokseiktaw is also one of the five-city
settlement pagodas in the new city of Mrauk-U.
There are two terraces on this hillock. A
Pitakataik (Library) is situated on the lower
terrace. The library is built of pure sandstone.
Most of the monasteries and pagodas of Mrauk-U
especially the large teaching monasteries and the
pagodas donated by the kings usually had a library
attached to them. The height of the main pagoda is
50 feet above ground and 100 feet in circumference
at the base. The central pagoda is circular and has
a bell shape. A small turret stands on each of the
four corners. On the eastern side of the pagoda
there is an image of a footprint of the Buddha, 34
inches long, on a large stone. The footprint is
plain and the sole of footprint shows neither marks
nor any lineaments by which chiromancy could
interpret.
The Htuparyon Pagoda
According to the local records, King Minranaung,
the sixth king of MraukU Dynasty, erected Htuparyon
in 1494 A.D. In the year of 1613 A.D the King
Minkhamaung and his chief queen, Shin Htway rebuilt
this pagoda. The pagoda is built of stone blocks and
the base is octagonal. A wall surrounds the spacious
temple court, which is in disrepair. Each of the
four corners of the pagoda walls is guarded by the
figure of a lion having two bodies and a head. The
walls are thought to be the walls of a square sima
or of the ordination hall for Buddhist monks.
At present, the pagoda is in ruin, and neglected.
But, in the golden days of Mrauk-U the Htuparyon
Pagoda was a well known site for pilgrimage. Most of
the kings in Mrauk-U Dynasty came to pay respects to
this pagoda soon after their coronations.
Traditionally, it was believed by the kings that the
site was "The Land of Victory and Prosperity", and
was very highly venerated. |
