Organization of the Cetiyangana Examination

The Shwedagon Pagoda Treasury Management Committee not only focuses on the maintenance and preservation of the Shwedagon Pagoda for its long-term stability but also strives to promote and expand the Buddha’s teachings. As a significant opportunity to cultivate renowned individuals in the Buddhist community, the Treasury Management Committee has conducted the Cetiyangana Examination since 1984, starting from the 67th occasion in the year 1345. This examination has now been held for the 105th time.
Throughout this period, to ensure the longevity of the Buddhist teachings, the committee annually organizes the examination, celebrates the achievement of successful candidates, and offers monthly alms and rice donations. These religious activities are funded by donations from devout supporters, ensuring the continued vitality and prosperity of the Buddhist community.
Historically, the enduring preservation and flourishing of the Buddhist teachings can be traced back to the first Buddhist council organized by King Ajatashatru and led by Venerable Mahakassapa Thera with 500 monks. This tradition of diligent preservation by the Buddhist clergy has continued to the present day.
The organization of such prestigious and disciplined examinations as the Cetiyangana Examination, aiming to cultivate prominent individuals in the Buddhist teachings, is possible due to the encouragement from the state, the supervision of senior monks, the dedication of the participating monks, and the support from the public.
, the Buddhist faith will continue to flourish and shine brightly for future generations.
Since the inception of the Cetiyangana Examination, up to the 104th session, it has produced notable monks, including 923 who earned the title “Abhivamsa,” 11 who earned the title “Vamsakara,” and 373 who earned the title “Ganavacaka.”
Additionally, the Shwedagon Pagoda Treasury Management Committee conferred the honorary title of “Cetiyangana Pavarasiri Maha Dhammaguru” to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Cetiyangana Pariyatti Examination. This title was awarded to four highly revered monks who have earned respect and veneration in the religious community due to their exemplary qualities, including:
• Pariyattivisārada Guṇa: Courage in the teaching and dissemination of scriptures.
• Ganthakāraka Guṇa: Expertise in compiling and composing scriptures.
• Paṭipatti Niyatāsaya Guṇa: Consistent dedication to meditation practice.
• Sīrapabbajita Guṇa: Exemplary adherence to the monastic discipline.
• Saṅghagaru Saṅghapariṇāyaka Guṇa: Being highly respected by the monastic community.
The four venerable monks honored with this title were “Rector Sayardaw or Pamaukha Choke (Ashin Nandamālābhivamsa) Sayadaw,” “Kalaywa Sayadaw,” “Yaw Sayadaw,” and “Hla Yatanar Sayadaw.”
The Cetiyangana Examination is one of the traditional, systematic, and challenging examinations in Myanmar, conducted under the guidance and supervision of senior monks with full devotion. The success of these examinations has brought joy and pride, fostering the growth of both worldly and spiritual benefits. It is believed that the efforts and dedication of the successful monks will continue to contribute to the enduring brilliance and prosperity of the Buddha’s teachings.

You can download and submit the application forms for the Satya Yangana written exam organized by Borad of trustee of Shwedagon Pagoda from the link below.