Thatone - Mon State
In the early centuries of the Christian era the
Mons were settled in the region between the Sittaung
and Salween(Thanlwin) rivers which was known as the
Mon kingdom of Ramanyadesa. Thaton, the seat of this
kingdom was also known as Suvannabhumi or the Golden
Land, which also applies to the whole region of
continental south-east Asia around the Bay of
Bengal. Doubtless Thaton was flourishing port in
ancient and there was constant intercourse between
Southern India and the region around Thaton and
Pegu(Bago). The old city of Thaton appears to have
built on a quadrangular plan like the more modern
cities of Amarapura and Mandalay. There are two
ramparts in a rectangular shape and the moat lies
between the two walls, which are faced with laterite
stones. As the present town is developed within the
old city the remains of the inner city are no more
visible. The chief pagodas are situated between the
palace site and the south wall.
Nearby Attractions
Shwezayan Pagoda
Shwezayan Pagoda is often called Thaton Shwezayan
to differentiate it from another Shwezayan between
Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin. The pagoda as it stands
today has a height of 360 feet (110m) from plinth to
the finial and by its configuration seems to be
quite modern, but a number of stone inscriptions, of
which 5 display Old Mon writing, attest to its
antiquity. The festival for this Pagoda is held on
the 8th waxing day of the month of Dabaung which
roughly corresponds to March.
The Shwezayan pagoda is said to have been built
in the 5th century B.C. It has been built over and
has now assumed a modern shape with a circular base
and a bell-shaped superstructure.
Within the precincts of the Shwezayan pagoda were
found seven inscribed stones, five in early Mon of
11th century, one medieval and the seventh
illegible. Among the stone sculptures collected in
the same building is a figure of standing Buddha
depicted in relief on a sandstone slab.
Kyaikhtee Saung Pagoda (An ancient Laterite
Stone Pagoda)
It is the one of earlist hair relic pagoda in Mon
State. Kyaikhtee Saung Pagoda is located on the
Laterite Stone hillock. The hillock itself is forme
by laying the laterite stones ontop of one another
forming a big square gradually grind up keeping the
form but reducing the size of squar intact untill it
reaches the top platform. At 1971 the monk U
Pyinnyadipa (Now, he is the abbot of the monastery
and famous as Kyaikhtee Saung Sayadaw) has arrived
back his native village Zoke Thoke. He himself found
the old pagoda under the huge bushes. He organized
his disciples and villagers to clear the bushes.
Then he rebuilt and renovated the old pagoda and old
laterite hillock. Now, the Kyaikhtee Saung Golden
Pagoda has appeared surrounded by the new buildings
for the religious purposes. s
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