The flourishing of Buddhism
The Contributions of Successive Kings to the Prosperity of Buddhism at Shwedagon Pagoda
![kanot-divider](https://www.shwedagonpagoda.org.mm/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kanot-divider.png)
Queen Shin Saw Pu's Contributions
She also paved the pagoda platform with stone slabs and constructed a seven-tiered Maha Rhan Dain (Great Circular Wall) around the stupa. She planted various fruit trees within this enclosure, such as palm, coconut, Coryphe umbraculifera, cobra saffron, mango, and jackfruit tree. Additionally, stone staircases were built on the four sides of the pagoda. Queen Shin Saw Pu also donated four villages and 500 slaves. She appointed 1,006 officials to oversee and maintain these contributions during her reign.
King Dhammazedi's Contributions
King Hsinbyushin's Contributions
King Singu’s Contributions
King Tharrawaddy’s Contributions
King Mindon’s Contributions
The Public Benefaction under Colonial Rule
Under British colonial rule, the trustees adhered to the established regulations, conducting religious activities such as offering golden umbrellas and restoring religious buildings, including the Shwedagon Pagoda. The gilding of the banana bud section of the Shwedagon Pagoda began in 1260 ME and was successfully completed in 1266 ME. The ceremonial opening of the gilded banana bud was led by high-ranking British officials and the head monks of the Hansawaddy group, marked by cannon and gunfire, celebrated with great festivity.
Welfare of National Peace and Development Council
A significant project was also undertaken to construct a long, straight western stairway to facilitate easier and more convenient access for pilgrims visiting the pagoda. The council responsible for ongoing comprehensive renovations and maintenance received advice from senior monks at the Shwedagon Pagoda and planned 36 major projects to be executed. Initially, ten of these projects were prioritized and commenced.
These included the following projects:
1. Gilding the main stupa with gold leaf.
2. Reconstructing the eastern stairway.
3. Reconstructing the southern stairway.
4. Installing two new escalators on the eastern side.
5. Installing two new escalators on the southern side.
6. Renovating the stone tiles in the main courtyard.
7. Refurbishing the planetary posts and oil lamp stands.
8. Gilding the pillars on the western stairway.
9. Constructing a rest house for foreign visitors on the western stairway.
10. Renovating and reconstructing the Thinguttara Garden.
By the end of 1998, these ten major projects and many smaller ones were completed. Additional projects that were not originally planned were also successfully undertaken, such as:
– Renovating and reconstructing the northern stairway.
– Installing escalators on the northern side.
– Constructing a large 24,000-gallon concrete water tank on the northern side.
– Building large lion statues on the western side.
– Renovating the main entrance on the southern side.
In 1999, the Shwedagon Pagoda received a new gold umbrella (hti), along with various other donations, such as gold plates, gold leaf, and offerings to replace the deteriorated umbrella, which had endured weather damage over 128 years since King Mindon Min’s reign.
To ensure the new umbrella (hti) would be durable and long-lasting, it was constructed using stainless steel to prevent rust. Experts and specialists combined their knowledge with modern technology to create the new hti. The new umbrella was ornately decorated with donations from the public, including funds, jewels, gold, and silver, resulting in a majestic and splendid structure.
Consequently, the state leaders personally oversaw the project, with the full participation of the public. The grand and successful consecration ceremony for the new hti of the Shwedagon Pagoda took place over three days, from April 4 to April 6, 1999.