Pashukyauk Phaya

Pashukyauk Phaya is situated in Saw Wa Village, two furlongs south of Shin Motti Village in Dawei Township of Taninthayi Divi¬sion. It was built by the king who founded the Motta Thukha Nagara at the triple confluence of Pauk Taing Chaung, Saw Wa Chaung and Kan Bauk Chaung (Dawei River) on the 8th waxing moon day of Nayon, Sakarit 780. It was a mammoth image about 28 feet high. Legend had it that while Prince Mingaung ascended the throne in Iimwa, he had the city built for his son Mintaya.

It was not liked by Queen Bo Mai who put lunatic potions in the well used by Mintaya. Mintaya did become raving mad but was cured by hermits of Wunpati, Sawhtut, Taung-Oo and Pagaw Mountains. It was completely cured upon administration of a medicinal avowed water by Saw Pyinnya of Seint Land. The king built the Image so as to prevent others from being afflicted by the potion. It was first known as Ayupyauk Image, but later it came to be known as Pashukyauk Image.