Perhaps, you’ve heard whispers of a hidden gem. That gem is the Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda. We are standing before a testament to faith. It is also a reflection of royal intrigue.
Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda stands on 24th Street. It is nestled between 82nd and 83rd Streets. This pagoda is more than just a beautiful site. It is a chronicle etched in brick and gold.
Let’s journey back to 1167. Min Shin Saw built this sacred place. He was a prince from Pagan. He sought solace and purpose by the shores of Aungbinle lake. He cultivated rice and a legacy.
But who was this Min Shin Saw? The Myanmar chronicles reveal a tale. Min Shin Saw was the eldest son of King Alaung Sithu of Bagan. He fell from his father’s grace. He was exiled east of Mandalay to Htun Ton Pu Tet.
Far from wallowing in despair, Min Shin Saw blossomed. He channeled his energy into good works. He repaired old monuments and monasteries. He built new ones like our Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda. He also created the Aung Pin Le and Ta Mok So lakes. These supplied water through irrigation.
Time leaped forward to the early 1900s. The British had occupied Mandalay in 1885. Forty Buddha images from the Mandalay Palace needed a safe haven. The Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda offered sanctuary in one of its chapels.
An older pagoda stood here. It was replaced in 1852. This act reflects the enduring devotion to Buddhism. The pagoda houses many stone, gold, and silver Buddha images. These reflect the prosperity of Myanmar monarchs.
Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda is famed for the Shweilnbin image. This image of Gautama Buddha has traveled through royal capitals. King Narapatisithu originally placed it in a Pagan pagoda. It found its way here.
Consider the layers of history beneath your feet. A prince’s exile led to the creation of this pagoda. Royal treasures found refuge here. The Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda is more than a religious site. It is a story etched in time.
Take a moment to appreciate the Shwe Kyi Myin Pagoda. It is a beacon of faith. It is a testament to resilience. It is a reminder that even in exile, a person can create enduring beauty.