Could Minn Thi Lar Taung be the key to understanding Mandalay’s deep connection to Buddhist prophecy? Minn Thi Lar Taung stands as a testament to Mandalay’s rich history and spiritual significance. As we stand here, let me tell you about the story of this hill, and its role in shaping Mandalay.
Mandalay, often called the center of Myanmar culture, has a history stretching back to 1857. King Mindon founded the city to fulfill an ancient prophecy. This prophecy stated a great city would rise here on the 2400th jubilee of Buddhism.
The city gets its name from Mandalay Hill. The hill was believed to be a holy mount. Legend says Lord Buddha foretold that a great metropolis of Buddhism would be established at its base. King Mindon took this prophecy seriously.
In 1857, King Mindon, then ruling from Amarapura, issued a royal order to establish a new kingdom. The Ascending the Throne ceremony occurred in July 1858. The royal city was named Lay Kyun Aung Mye. This means “Victorious Land over the Four Islands.” The royal palace was called Mya Nan San Kyaw, or “The Royal Emerald Palace.” The kingdom also went by Yadanabon and Ratanapura, meaning “The Bejeweled Site.” Later, it was renamed Mandalay, after Mandalay Hill.
The name “Mandalay” comes from the Pali words “Mandala,” meaning “a plains land,” and “Mandare,” meaning “an auspicious land.”
King Mindon laid the foundation of Mandalay on the 6th waning day of Kason, in 1857. He also started construction on seven edifices. These included the royal city with its walls and moat, the Maha Lawka Marazein Stupa, and the Pahtan-haw Shwe Thein. Also included were the Atumashi monastery, the Thudhama Zayats, and the library for Buddhist scriptures.
The royal moat was about 69 meters wide and 3 meters deep. It was supplied with water from the Yadana Nadi, now the Ye Ni Canal. In 1995, the moat was renovated. Today, four bridges span the moat. They are the U-hteik Bridge to the east, the Kyaw Moe Bridge to the south, the Kye Mon Bridge to the west, and the Lay Thein Bridge to the north.
Mandalay served as the capital of the last independent Burmese kingdom. However, in 1886, the British colonial forces conquered it.
After the British took Mandalay, they transformed the royal palaces into their military headquarters. They renamed the complex Fort Dufferin. During World War II, the Japanese used the same location for a military camp. Allied forces bombed it, destroying the ancient palace buildings.
Today, Mandalay blends modern and classic elements. The royal palace, the surrounding moat, and Mandalay Hill create a striking image. The former palace grounds are now known as Fort Mandalay. Replicas of some ancient palaces have been built. Further reconstructions continue.
Minn Thi Lar Taung and Mandalay Hill offer panoramic views of the city. From here, you can see the old city walls and moat. You can also spot the Kuthodaw Pagoda, known for housing the world’s largest book.
Mandalay Hill features four covered stairways, called saungdan, leading up. Climbing the hill is seen as a rewarding and meritorious act for Buddhists.
At the summit, the Sutaungpyei Pagoda provides stunning views.
So, as you stand on Minn Thi Lar Taung, remember you are standing at a place of prophecy. You are also at a location of historical and cultural pride. It connects the past, present, and future of Mandalay.