Repairs to pagoda damaged by quake
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Myatheindan Pagoda in the Mingun area of Sagaing region is being renovated to repair damage caused by November's earthquake, a senior monk said.
The umbrella over the pagoda and its embossed figures are being restored to their original condition, Venerable Shwesin Tipikadara, of the Sangha’s working committee, said.
“The umbrella tilted due to the earthquake and was taken down on January 31,” Venerable Shwesin Tipikadara said. “As the umbrella’s weight is heavy, the banana bud got damaged and the structure has become weakened. That’s why we will replace it with a lighter umbrella,” he said.
The umbrella will only be erected after testing the pagoda’s structure for earthquake resistance, he said, adding that this would be the third time the pagoda’s umbrella had been restored.
Myatheindan Pagoda was built in 1816 by King Bagyidaw in memory of his senior wife, Princess Hsinbyumae. The pagoda’s seven concentric terraces represent the seven hills surrounding Mount Meru, which, according to Buddhist mythology, is located at the centre of the universe.
The pagoda was badly damaged after an earthquake in 1838 and was restored by King Mindon.
