Wethali : The land of Historic finds 23

REVIEW
Proportion of two sides of Kings are 13:27 or 1:2 approximately that is average a reign of
king in chronicle side can be equate with reigns of two kings in Inscription side.
Again, we have noticed that the difference of two sides is 37 years. In other words the length of the
chronicle side exceeded 37 years to inscription side. i.e 2 years in group(3) and 31 years in group(4)
respectively.
In group(3) and group(4), Thiri Sandra and Theinga Sandra reigns are extremely lengthy for a
king ruling in those days.
So, it needs verifications between the two sides, whether they are the same historical list with
different recordings or not. (Please see Appendix II & III)
U Aung Tha Oo the late scholar of Rakhine(Arakanese) History, in his letter addressed to Dr. Pamela
Gutman of Australian National University, mentioned that Thiri Sandra of Chronicle side and Thiri Dharmma
Wizaya of Inscription side are the same person with alternate names, who sponsored the Buddhist Synod in
Wethali and did the final cancellation of 560 Rakhine Era or Kawza Era at the same time. It is also true to
our knowledge too. If we verify the above comparative tables of two sides we can also see clearly that.
Thiri Sandra and Thiri Dhamma Wizaya are the kings who did the final cancellations of kawza 560. More-
over the two names are synonymous to each other .
Again ,according to chronicles, Theinga Sandra , son of Thiri Sandra , was the husband of Saw Prai
Nyo. It shows Saw Prai Nyo was the common Queen to Theinga Sandra of Historical side and Dharma
Candra of Inscription side. (Please see the family tree table of Mahavira.) Also in this case, we can draw a
conclusion that Theinga Sandra and Dhamma Candra are one and the same person recorded in two sides.
So also, since Ananda Candra was the son of Dhamma Candra and Saw Prai Nyo as well as Sula
Sandra was the son of the Theinga Sandra and Saw Prai Nyo, the two Kings Annanda Candra of inscription
side and SulaSandra of Chronicle side are own brothers. Ananda Candra ruled 10 more years after he
inscribed his prasasti in Wethali pillar and Sula Sandra succeeded to Wethali throne after the death of
Annanda Candra, Indeed, it was the transitional period between inscription side to chronicle side ( Please
seethe family tree table of Mahavira again ).
(Please see the calculations mentioned in page ( )

Chapter (V)
Comments on Dr;Sircar’s tentative assignment, early part of Table II inscribed in the western
face of Shitethaung Pillar are recorded about the kings described below:
1. Dven Candra -55-370-425AD(V 19, V 20,V 21)
2. Raja Candra -20-425-445AD(V22)
3. Kala Candra - 9-445-454AD(V23)
4. Deva Candra -22-454-483AD(V24)
5. Yajna Candra - 7-476-483AD(V25)
6. Candra Bandhu - 6-483-489AD(V25)
7. Bhumi Candra - 7-489-496AD(V26)
8. Bhuti Candra -24-496-520AD(V27)
9. Niti Candra -55-520-575AD(V28)
10. Vira Candra - 3-575-578AD(V29)
11. Priti Candra -12-578-590AD(V29)
12. Pathvi Candra - 7-590-597AD(V30)
13. Dhriti Candra - 3-597-600AD(V31)
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 24

It was noticed that out of that hoard of 48 coins belonging to Wethali period, only four earlier kings of
Table II are fourd with repeated number of the same 4 kings. Apart from Wethali coins, it is observed that 2
numbers of Pyu coins were so surprisingly collected together with those coins. That 2, Pyu, coins were most
probably Thareikhitara coins, which was the clear indication of relationship between early part of Wethali
period and ending part of Thareikitara period. Moreover, we can draw many informations out of that collec-
tions, it was also testified to say that Wethali period of Rakhine(Arakan) became only after the period of 3rd
Dhanyawaddy, which is ranging from 5th century BC to 4th century AD dates on which Thuria Renu stood in
the 19th line (155-174AD) of Sandathuria regime. So also at early period of Bagan, reign of Popa Saw Rahan
of Bagan stood only after Thareikhitara, the period contemporary to early Wethali period of Rakhine(Arakan).
Since the standing position of Wethali period of Rakhine(Arakan) came only after 3rd Dhanyawaddy period it
is sure to say that position of early Bagan cannot be contemporary period 3rd Dhanyawaddy. In other sense
Bagan actual position was not above of Wethali. Popa Saw Rahan of Myanmar Bagan can be epuate with the
Wethali Third Period of Rakhine(Arakan) only as recorded by Rakhine(Arakan) chroniclers. In other words
Popa Saw Dahan of Myanmar Bagan was contemporary to Thiri Sandra or Thiri Dhama Wizaya of Rakhine
(Arakan) Wethali which was the right concept of the Rakhine(Arakanese) Chroniclers. In other means Popa
Saw Rahan of Bagan cannot be equate with Thuria Renu of Third Dhanyawaddy of Rakhine as recorded and
stated by Irwin, Phayre and co-European scholars of Rakhine(Arakanese) History.
Again, Table III of Wethali inscriptions inscribed under many verses between V34 to V44 and there
were 9 number of Kings recorded are as follows;
1. Mahavira -12-600-612AD(V34)
2. Vragarap -12-612-624AD(V36)
3. Siviren -12-624-636AD(V36)
4. Dharma Sura -13-636-649AD(V36)
5. Vijrasakti -16-649-665AD(V37)
6. Dharmavijaya -36-665-701AD(V39)(Thiri Sandra of Chronicle side)
7. Narendravijaya - 3-701-704AD(V41)
8. Dharma Candra -16-704-720AD(V42)
9. Ananda Candra - 9-720-729AD(V44)
Now we are quite convinced to say that the proof mentioned above is one of the finest proofs to show
the improper recordings and wrong periodiations and dating of Lt.; General sir Arthur PPhayre and European
upon Rakhine History. It seems, the British scholar and the followers of similar concepts and their thinkings
were not up to the mark.

Note- We have collected Three types of coins belonging to the same king Deva candra i.e Conch/
Thrivesta, Bull facing left/ Thrivetse & Bull facing right Therivetsa.

Note-1. Copper plate land grant affixed with Bull seal were unearthed near the Wethali
City site (P.32-37 of Buddhist art of Ancient Arakan(Rakhine)
2. Some justifications about Wethali a single Rakhine(Arakanese) Dynasty-written by
U Shwe Zan P.201-127 of Myat Pan Thazin Magazine.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 25

CHAPTER VI

ANALYSIS
The comparison between two sides of kings and their reigns are as fallows:-

King of Chronicles side reign-King of Inscriprion side - Reign

7. Thiri Sandra 72(19) Thiri Dharmma Wizaya - 36

8. Theinga Sandra 66(21) Dhamma Candra - 16
(Please see Appendix I, Appendix II, Appendix III & Appendix IV)

By looking these comparisons, Thiri Sandra and Theinga Sandra reigns are unreasonably Lengthy.
Than that of Inscription side of the same king with different or alternate names. If we can adjust reasonably the
two kings of Chronicle side relevant to the Inscription side, we can definitely say that the two different record-
ings are not the separate ones but the single list of Wethali with some kings in different name or alternate names.
Note: The first excavation of Wethali old site was made in the years between 1981AD and 1984AD. One of
the artifacts we obtained was a stone slab Inscription from mound No:4 of Vesali and it was counted for as C
5th/ 6th century AD. As a result of the particular excavation, U Nyunt Han of Archaelolgical Department,
(Now Director General of the same Department.) who conducted the same excavation revealed that, Wethali
existed in between 4th century and 9th century AD(Please see the special issue of 10th anniversary magazine
published by Rakhine(Arakan) State People’s Council in 1984). It is also a supporting evidence to say that
Wethali existed not in between 8th and 11th century as said by Sir Arthur Phayre, but in between 4th and ninth
century. (Please see Plate I)

Comparisons between the Kings, mentioned in two sides

CHRONICLE INSCRIPION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE

1. Taing Sandra 1. Dven Candra As remarked by Dr.Johnstan of

Baluyaw College of Oxford University,
the two names are synonymous to each
other. As a founder of Wethali period,
the king issued a silver Bull coins
engraved with Suriya Sandra of 4th to
6th century is now in possessions.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 26

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
With reference to U San Hla’s Mahamunis
Nigone Ywa Verse composed at the time of
Ah Ba Ya Ma Ha Ra Za and Historian Doe Wai
of Mrauk-U Period. Maha Taing Sandra issued
cions (Bull/Thirivetsa) in the name of Surya
Sandra. By assessing those facts, we can draw
a conclusion that Maha Taing Sandra issued the
first inscribed coins in the name of Suria Sandra
the founder of Surya Dynasty or Lunar Dynasty.
Since Dven Candra name is the synonemous
name to Taing Sandra, it can also be considered
as the coin of Dven Candra.Because we have
not yet collected coins in the name of Dven
Candra.
2.Raza Candra 2.Raja Candra Both Kings of similar names are 2nd in line of
Sandra Dynasty in bothsides. (Please see U San
Hla’s Mahamuni Nigones Ywa Verse). Already
collected Raja Candra silver coin engraved with
the name of same king together with variety of
coins of Wethali kings, 48 in numbers and two
Pyu coins probably of Tharekhitara or Paikthano
period. Those coins were found near the river
shore of Khayinc village, of Taungoke Township
in southern part of Rakhine(Arakan) State. Those
collection of Raja Candra coins are confirmed by
Dr.Marlo, a German Scholar of Berlin. (Please see
the photographs attached). (Collection of Coins
from Khayine Village are Now displayed in Cul-
tural museum, Sittwe).
(Please see Appendix VI)
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 27

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
1. Kala Candra Similar to the name of the 6th king of chronicle side
No. collections of coins or artifact yet.
4. Deva Candra Three types of silver coins i.e Conch-Thirivetsa. Bull-
Thirivetsa left-turn and Bull-Thirivetsa-right turn were
collected together with Raja Candra and other varieties of
silver coins belonging to Wethali period and Two Pyu
Coins were collected near the river shore of Khayine
village in Toun Goke Township, the southern part of
Rakhine(Arakan) State. Now displayed in cultural
Museum, Sittwe. (Please see the Raja Candra column
mentioned above.)
3. Mawla Sandra 5. Yajna Candra A silver coin was collected displayed in Archeological
4. Pawla Sandra 6. Candra Bandhu A silver coin was collected museum of Mrauk-U
5. Htula Sandra 7. Bhumi Candra A silver coin was collected and Cultural Museum,
6. Kala Sandra 8. Bhuti Candra Sittwe
A silver coin was collected Dr. Pamela Gutman’s
Doctorate Thesis - Vol II

8. Bhuti Candra A copper plate land grant was unearthed and

collected during the second world was near the old site of
Wethali.
That copper plate bearing writing in both sides. At present
it is in the safe custody of Archaeology Department of
ministry of culture in Yangon.
The Royal Bull seals were affixed in both sides of the
copper plate. Out of estimated 14 lines of inscriprion,
upper two lines were lost due to the destruction done by
Japanese soldier during their occupation days. We noticed
that lines one to eight contained the names of
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 28

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
eight kings the last of them mentioned in line 8 being
the issuer of the grant. Line I may have thus contained
the name of a king who was then mentioned along
with the seven of the successors. That is not improb-
able that line I could have mentioned Dven Candra,the
founder of the Dynasty. In that case it was Bhuti
Candra eighth in line after Dven Candra and ruled in
496-520AD. It is fortunate to say that the names of
Queens can be read in line four to eight. There we are
privileged to know the donors mother, grand mother, great
grand mother, great great grand mother, great great great
grand mother. Their names were respectively Kalyana
Devi,Kyaw devi Sakenya Devi,Kindel devi and Kuntan
Devi.
9.Niti Candra Silver coin and one epigraphic record and a Gold ring
were collected (Gold ring is now in the hand of U
Maung Oo Gyaw of Mrauk -U)(Please see Page 226)
Queen of Niti Candra was engraved in the inscription slab
collected in and Andaw Zeti of Thandwe . Both of the
artifacts and coins are displayed in Archaeological museum
of Mrauk-U.
10.Vira Candra Silver coin and epigraphic record inscribed in a stone
slab are collected. Both are displayed in Archaeologi-
cal museum of Mrauk-U.
11.Priti Candra Both silver and Gold coins were collected. Silver coin
is displayed in Archaeological museum of Mrauk-U
and gold coin is in the possession of a Gold smilth of
Mrauk - U by the name of Kaung San Kyaw . Please
see Page 226)
12.Prthvi Candra A silver coin was collected of this book Displayed in
Mrauk -U Archaeological museum.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 29

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
13.Dhriti A silver coin was collected Displayed in Mrauk-U
Archaeological museum.

14.Mahavira Mahavira was a governor of Purum Purai sea port and

a western gate of Rakhine(Arakan). When Dhriti died he
was called for to Wethali and succeeded the throne in the
same year of Dhriti’s death. There is no gap in between.
Saw Prai Nyo, an eighth century Poet of Wethali men-
tioned also in her verse entitled “ Thein Kan Maintwin
as” “ bD u tpbd k ; uquf c H”and top of the Kings with
seven successors and eight king was counted as
Dhamma Candra Who happened to be her husband
king(Please see Table III of Wethali Inscription as well
as family tree table.)

No Comment
15.Vaajapya
No Comment
16.Siviren
A Dhamaraja Coin is collected and the type of which
17.Dhama Sura is similar to Dhamavijaya and Dharma Candra coins.
There is no claim of throne belonging to either side
yet. However, in our opinion, Dhama Sura V.36 AD
636,(4th king) was a father king of two strong (Chil-
dren) kings Vajrasakti (V37)AD 649 (V38) 5th King as
well as 6th King Dharmavijaya (V-39) (V-40)AD 665
an alternate name of Thiri Sandra in Chronicle side
who was the son of Vajrasakti and husband of Saw
Prai Nyo a poet Queen and daughter of Dharmavijaya.
Also, Dharma Candra is an alternate name of Theinga
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 30

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
Sandra in chronicle side who was happended to be involved
in the expedition of Benga provinces.
Palgeographically, the Dhamaraja coin was a 7th Century coin;
also. For these reasons Dhamaraja can be presummed as an
alternate name of Dhama Sura.
Consquently Dhamaraja coin was belonging to no other
than Dhama Sura. We can also equate “Sura” with “Raja” a
great monarch or Kakravatin King. The coin is displayed in
Mrauk - U Archaeological museum .
18.Vagrasakti Please read the aboved coloum .
19.Thiridharma Thiri Dhammavijaya coin is now in our possession . It was
Vijaya found together with Dhamma Candra coin in Kwe-dai village
of Sittwe township. Now displayed in Archaeological
Meseum, Mrauk -U. Since Thiri Sandra of Chronicle side
and Thiridharmma wizaya of inscription side are synonemous
names. It can be presumed that they are, the single person
with alternative names recorded in the two sides. Thiri Sandra
was the king who did the final cancellation date of 560 RE in
chronicle side where as Thiri Dhama Vijaya did the same final
cancellation dateof 560 R.E in Inscription side.So also Thiri
Sandra was the king who sponsored the fourth synod com-
bined with the country of Sri Lanka . An Inscription stone
slab of land grant ,do-nated by Thiri Dharmavijaya was col-
lected near the vicinity of Linmongtaung range of Wethali .
This land grant inscription indicates the date of the kings. It
shows this event was happened before the final cancell-ation
date in early 7th Century . But in recording of Phayre the date
of Thiri Sandra was 903 AD to 935 AD, so in accordance
with the British Scholar that particu-lar event was happened
in 10th century . This shows that Phayre datings was evidently
unreliable because inscri-ption of Dhammawizaya was
paleaographicaly in 7th century .
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 31

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
20.Narendrawijya Son of Dhamavijaya and own brother of saw Pari Nyo,
a poet Queen of Dhamma Candra.
8.Theinga Sandra 21.DhammaCandra A silver coin is collected together with coin of
Dhammavijaya in Kwedai village of Sittwe Township.
Saw Prai Nyo (a)Thuwunna Devi happened to be the
Queen of Theinga Sandra in Chronicle side. It shows
Theinga Sandra and Dhamma Candra are one
andasingle person. In reference to Vasant Chowdhery,
an inscribed Metal Vase engraved with Rakhine 77 or
715 AD as Christ Era converted was displayed in
Dhaka National Museum. That occurance was dis-
played in Dhaka National Museum. that occurance was
happened during the reign of Dhamma Candra there
two Sandra names of Kula and Ratna Candra were
included in the Donor Lists of land grant’s. It shows,
there were linked between Wethali and Harrikila
Kingdom of Benga side in the days of Dhamma Candra
reign. But in accordance with Phayre, that incident was
counted for as in Thuria Kethi reign of 3rd
Dhanyawaddy period which was not possible because
of about a period apart to each other and it was proved
that the incident was happened during Candra Dynasty
only.
Issued a sliver coin (Pamela Gutman’s Doctorate
Thesis Vol:II). This silver coin of Annanda Candra is
displayed in London Museum as said by Dr:Pamela
22.Annanda Candra
Gutman. According to U San Hla of Mrauk-U, Htula
Sandra is analtenat name of Annanda Candra
inchroncle side (xlVwpfjzmtmeE´m) We observed that the
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 32

CHRONICLE INSCRIPTION REMARKS

SIDE SIDE
reign of two sides are 19 years in each which is tally to either
side Infact, Annanda Candra continued to rule Wethali after
the 9th year of his time of engraving in the Wethali pillar.
After his death in 19th year of reign his younger brother Sula
Sandra succeeded to the Wethali throne in early 8th century.
This Annanda Candra Pillar or Wethali pillar is a wonderful
inscription record of Wethali Dynasty with 3 Tables.
Annanda Candra has inscribed about his benevolent
actions of liberality to the Bramin of different faiths. As a
Buddhist he called himself as U Pa Sakar. Relation between
Sri Lanka and Wethali were mentioned in his inscription also
He offered many essential things of sanghas like copper bowls
and yellow robes to the sanghas of Sri Lanka as well as a
cow elephant was presented to his counter part king of that
time.
Sula Candra Sula Candra A Sula Candra cion by the mane of Sula Maharaza was
discovered many years ago. It was inscribed with Rakhine
Alphabet in obverse side and half and half of Persian and
Nargri script were inscribed in reverse side. The Rakhine
alphabet inscribed in the coin is similar to the bronze lamp in
lady figure, inscribed with tm,emaumif ; rI of
Rakhine(Arakanese) Alphabet. Please read the other re-
mark in the above columns especially the Annanda Candra
column.
Ah Mra Tu Ah Mra Tu No Comment

Pe Pru Pe Pru No Comment

Nga ton Nga ton No Comment

Wethali; The land of Historic finds 33

The following were the Bronze & Copper images of the three rulers of 3rd Dhanywaddy period.
Those images were enshring in Rakhine land up to the end of Mrauk-U period dated 1785.

Image 1 - The great Mahamuni - (Bronze)

Donor King - Sanda Thuria.
Date - Maha 123
- BC - 542/7

Image 2 - Shin Gyaw Muni - (Bronze)

Donor King - Sanda Thuria.
Date - Maha 123
542/7 BC

Image 3 - Yan Aung Myin Muni - (Bronze)

Donor King - Sanda Thuria.
Date - Maha 123
542/7 BC

Image 4 - Sanda Muni - (Bronze)

Donor King - Thuria Cacker.
KawZar - 214
278 BC

Image 5 - Thetkya Muni - (Copper)

Donor King - Thuria Kula
KawZar - 520
AD 23

N.B - Third Dhanyawaddy period starting from 582 BC to 327 AD Arakan(Rakhine) 543 BC to
364 AD.(VS)
(Vikram Sambat)
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S.
CHAPTER VII
Bronze and copper Images of Dhanyawady
period
MAHAMUNI SHRINE
Mahamuni Shrine stands on a 30-ft high hill north
of the palace site. Known as Sirigutta hill, this was the
original resting place of the Mahamuni until the King
Bodaw Phaya carried the image off to Amarapura in
1785.
34
For centuries, people regarded the
Mahamuni Image and the shrine with sacred
devotion and religious awe, making a legend
to grow--the legend being that of the Great
Teacher’s arrival at Arakan (Rakhine).
Sappadanapakarana-a palm leaf manuscript
that the Buddha with 500 Arahats came to
Arakan (Rakhine) by areial journey. While
sojourning in dhanyawaddy, during Canda
Thuriya’s rule in 554 BC, the Blessed One
complied with the king’s request for permis-
sion of casting an image of the Teacher. The
king as well as his subjects offered ‘nine - kuti’
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 35

worth of precious metal and in the presence The likeness of

of Buddha, Mahamuni - - the exact likeness
of the Buddha was cast. In a 15th century
Aye chonn verse by Adoo Mong Nyo the
casting of the image is described thus:
By the help of Visukarma
The divine creative genius
It was wrought- -
The present Mahamuni,
When it could not be done
With his hallow of the land
The Master gave
Exactly seven times
The precious metals,
“With the warmth of His bosom”
And behold
The Master appeared
To be revered by
Brahma, Devas and men
The gift of the pruest
Of all hearts.
In the Mahamuni - casting - verse of
the early 19th century it is also written:
When they could not
With nine precious metals
Cast it:
The Blessed One
Put the warmth of His bosom
And seven times with
The hollow of His hands
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S.
He offered the metals
And the Image with
The Lord’s likeness
Animated, only to be
Forbidden
To rest there
As the sacred - most object
Among the sons of men.
After casting Mahamuni, King Canda Thuriya
cast two other images from the same stock of noble
metal. Afterwards 33 smaller likeness of the Mahamuni
and countless Mahagyan (lit. left - over) images were
also cast by the King.
Starting from the time of the casting of the
Mahamuni, the Mahamuni and Sirigutta Hill became
the centre - piece of Rakhine faith. The image and the
hill became an integrated institution.A magnificent shrine
was built during Suriya Citra’s rule (79 - 115A.D).
After the perfumed chamber with bricks and donated
a ruby - studded gold crown for the Image. During the
rule of the son of Dven Candra a richly ornameented
stone pedestal was installed. Basides, the shrine was
roofed with brass sheets. After completion of the reno-
vation works, the monks from Sri Lanka and other
neighbouring countries were invited to the inaugura-
tion ceremony.
Deva figures like the Yeksa General Panada,
some receiving sermons and others gurarding the holy
precints, were erected around the shrine abour 5th
century A.D. Cula Taing Candra, the last Vesali mon-
arch, dug ponds for the pilgrims at the western part
and many times restored the shrine.
In time, the Mahamuni became renowned and
pilgrlms from far - off destinations like Sri Lanka and
Indo-China paid regular visits. The Anandamadhaba
monastery as stated in the Ananda Candra Inscription
was probably situated on this holy ground.
At the end of the Vesali period King Anawrahta
(also known as Aniruddha, 1044 - 1077) renovated
the shrine and an elaborately
36
ornamented graduated turret above the prayer hall was
credited to him.
King Ah-thaung-khaya (Asankhya, 1068 - 76),
of Pyinsa is also accredited for stone stair - cases
roofed with graduated turrets (the northern approach
still peserves the old masonry) and also for restora-
tion of the shrine.
In two abortive campaigns, Anawrahta Min
Saw and Alaung Sithu from Bagan, atempted to carry
off the Mahamuni Image to their captital.
The year 1103 proved to be the worst hour in
the history of Mahamuni, since the Image was lost in
hiding. Only when King Datharaza came to the throne
(1123 - 39 )was the image discovered and lesser kings
and lords were given the responsibility for its upkeep.
A highway was also constructed from his capital city
of Parein to the Mahamuni . He also btook precau-
tionary measures against any future safty of the shrine.
King Mong Saw mon , the founding father of
Mauk -U, renovated the Mahamuni simultaneously
with that of his capital.His younger brother, Mong
Khari, deposited the whole set of tipitaka brought from
Sri Lanka in the Pitaka library he had built in the pre-
cincts of the shrine.From then on, the Mahamuni and
its environs up as the focal point of Buddhist learning.
The Mrauk-U kings throughout their reign maintained
the shrine as the most sacred nurturing ground of
Rakhine Buddhist faith. Thiri Thuriya Mong (Canda
Thuriya Dahammaraza) built numerous monasteries
about this responsibility of the ordination of 1,000
monks every year.
King Naradhipati had the Yattara bell cast and
placed in the platform of Mahamuni Shrine in 1734.
The magical formulas and numbered squares make it
the rarest of its kind in the world. The bell inscriptions
in Pali, Rakhine and Sanskrit were used to ward off
and work magical spells upon any invading troops.
Details of the procedure were inscribed on the bell.
This bell was lost in 1950 and never recovered. When
the building was ravaged by an earthquake in 1761,
King
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 37

Mahamuni Sculptures

Thuria Taing Sandra (a) Mahataing Sandra is Synonemous name to Dven Candra, son of Thuria
Ketu, the last king of Dhanyawaddy period ascended to the Wethali. Throne in AD 327/ AD 370 with the
Thu Pabar Devi as his chief Queen Historically was proved that the great king repair and renovated the old
Mahamuni Shrine. The king donated and offered a great religious gifts in this occassion. The benevolent
religious gifts of the moreover were in scribed and recorded in one of the Mahamuni stone sculpture on the
figure named as Yaksa Senapti Panada [please see page(37)] of this book. The sculptureed Yaksa Senapati
Panada now stands as a monument and is still found in the precint of Maha Muni Shrine. The successor
kings of Wethali period, Lemro period and Mrauk-U period had repaired and renovated the Shrine. The old
roof was replaced with copper sheets. So also gilted regularly with gold untill the time, the great Buddha
Image was off to Amarapura by the Myanmar king Bodaw Phara in AD 1785.

Remarks
To honour the soil of origin and the Maha Muni Image. Maurice Collins, the famous British
author of 20th century entitled his one of the outstanding publication as “The Land Of The Great Image”.
To fillup the Rakhine(Arakanese) people tried to carry a statue of Mahamuni stone Buddha
flanked with two smaller statues of Shin Thariputra and Shin Mogalon from the near by cave of Mahamuni
village and also U Rai Kyaw Thu, a rich man from Sittwe tried to cast a replica of Mahamuni Image in
Mandalay and fillup the blanks of Mahamuni Shrine of Kyauktaw to be worshiped for the Rakhine(Arakan)
devothees.

BRONZE AND COPPER IMAGES OF DHANYAWADDY PERIOD.

The following were the Bronze & Copper Images, cast by the three rulers of 3rd Dhanyawaddy
period. Those Images were enshrining in Rakhine(Arakanese) land up to the end of Mrauk-U period
dated 1785.
Image1- The Great Mahamuni - (Bronze) See P 40
Donor King - Sanda Thuria
Date - Maha 123
- BC - 542/7
Image2 - Shin Gyaw Muni - (Bronze) See P 41
Donor King - Sandra Thuria
Date - Maha 123
- BC - 542/7 BC
Image3 - Yan Aung Myin Muni - (Bronze) See P 41
Donor King - Sandra Thuria
Date -542/7 BC

Image4 - Sanda Muni - (Bronze) See P 38 & 41

Donor King - Thuria Cacker
Kawza - 214
278 BC
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 38

Image5 - Thetkya Muni - (Copper) See P 41&42

Donor King - Thuria Kuha
Kawza - 520
AD 23
N.B - Third Dhanyawaddy period starting from 582 BC to 327 AD Arakan(Rakhine) 543 BC to 364
AD. (V.S)
(Vikram Sambat)
It is beyond doubt to say that Wethali kings and people could enjoy the worshiping of those
outstanding Buddha Images throughout the Wethali Age.

Pay Homage to Sandamuni Pharagri.
There is a new sayings in the old
capital that a visit to Mrauk-U is not accomplished
unless you reach and pay hamage to Sandamuni
Pharagri.
The original Donor of this more than two
thousand three hundred years old Bronze Image
was Thuria Sakka, 6th in the line of King
Sandathuria, the founder of Third Dhanyawaddy.
This magnificent Pharagri is now resting magestically
in the precint of for more than a century old
Bandoolamonastery in the southern part of Mrauk-
U city. The Image is now housed in a new
conscerete structure with modern architectural
design.
The first place of the Sanda muni Image
was at Taung-U, a hillock to the north, not
very far from Mrauk-U. The Images was shifted
by Mong Saw Mon, the founder of
Mrauk-U and placed onto the hillock called
Bar-Bu Taung. During the British annexation of
Rakhine the image was hidden by a few Rakhine
(Arakanese) Patriots firstly put to rest under water
for twelve years and undercement coating for nearly
a century to shop the image to be taken away by
foreigners. The cement coating of Phara was out-
stripped by the Abbot of the monastery in 1987.
To the suprise of every one around, the real
Sandamuni Pharagri is enshrined once again.
Bandoola Monastery -
This old monastery can be also claimed as a place
of archaeological interest. We can witness many
antques of ancient periods, relics of Arahants and
various kinds of Artifacts including Buddhas tooth
relic. We can observe a piece of copper plate in
square size which happened to be a piece of
Mrauk-U Palace Roof.
Wethali; The land of Historic finds
Thetkyamuni Copper Image
The short accounts of image are-
- The image is made of copper, its height 18
inches.
- Right hand of the image is dropped over the
knee but it does not touch the ground.
- Left palm rests on its back and the eight
pointed star rests on the palm. At the centre of
the star there exists a wheel that symbolizes the
Dharmma Sakkra.
- There are uncountable minute images on its
head and across the body. It is very rare and
crafitily executed. At the centre of the forehead
there is spiral mark.
- The name of donor is ascribed as the King
Surya Kula (520 R.E)
- If we examine this image from the point of
view of iconography its style of execution is
neither related with Mrauk-U period nor with
Lemro as well as Wethali period. It resembles
with threat of Man Aung Myin Muni of Za Lun.
39
Its face seems to be smiling. The eyes
are looking downwards. Its posture is elegant
and executed with the rule of Buddhist treatise.
The prototype image done by Rakhine(Arakan)
can be easily differentiate. The ear lobes of
image is dropped down, but they do not touch
the image’s shoulder. The two arms do not
contact with the body so we remarks, this im-
age was casted and moulded by non other than
Rakhine(Arakan) Artisans.
The mudra of this image is a combined
postures. It was extraordinarly and craftily ex-
ecuted. Combining postures are Bhumisphsas
and Dhamma Sakkra mudras. Dhamma Sakkra
is symbolically expressed with eight pointed star,
that indicates the eight cardinal points all the
directions except above and below. It symbol-
izes that Dhamma propergates and spread all
round. It also denotes the eight ways to
Nibbana. - By examming this image we can
assume that the doner was deeply rooted in
Buddhism.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 40

ajrmufOD;acwfwdkif &cdkifwGifudef;0yfcJhonf/

r[mrkedbk&m;BuD;(rEÅav;)
r[m 123-542^7 bDpD
pE´mol&,
d bk&ifaumif;rIawmf

Image 1
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 41

Inscriptions engraved on Sekkyamuni Copper Image

Front - Brami - Yedhamma Verse

Back - Rakkhawwuna - Thetkarit 520, Surya Kula
Ahludaw Kaunghmu

This Thetkyamuni Copper Image is now rested is now rested with special shirine in theprecint
of Lawkarnanda Pagoda at sittwe.
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 42

ajrmufOD;NrdKUwGif ,aeUwdkifzl;ajrmfEdkifonfh wefcdk;BuD;bk&m;qif;wkawmfrsm;

pE´rkedbk&m;BuD;

ol&d,puú aumZm-214? c&pf bDpD 278 aumif;rIawmf (,ckpE´mrkedausmif;0if;)

Image 4
pBuFmrkedbk&m;

ol&d,ukv aumZm-520 aumif;rIawmf (,ckppfawG)

Image 5
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 43

Naga King of Mahamuni

Legible inscription of Yeksa General

Yeksa General Panada

Mahamuni Sculptures (5th century A.D.)
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 44

ajrmufOD;acwfwkdif ylaZmfukd;uG,fEkdifcJhaom qif;wkrsm;

ajrmufOD;acwfwdkif &cdkifwGifudef;0yfcJhonf/

yHk
&Sifausmfrked? ,ck a&Tewfawmifjynf?
r[m-123^7 bDpD
pE´mol&d,bk&ifaumif;rIawmf

Image 2

ajrmufOD;acwfwkdif &cdkifwGifudef;0yfcJhonfh

yHk
&efatmifjrifrked
,ck ZvGef-[oFmw
r[m-123? 542^7 bDpD
pE´mol&,
d bk&ifaumif;rIawmf
Image 3
Wethali; The land of Historic finds 45

A Bronze replica of the Mahamuni of Mandalay donated by U Rai Gyaw Thu

(19th century A.D.)
U Shwe Zan B.Sc, B.C.S. 46

A 4’4” high hilt image flanked by two smaller ones on the nearby
pedestal. People believed that this image is supposed to be a model
image of Mahamuni now resting at Manadalay. (5th century A.D.)