Details
Name
Southern Walkway
Location
တောင်ဘက်မုခ်
Category
စောင်းတန်းများ | ဖူးမြော်ရန်နေရာများ
The Southern Walkway was extensively renovated and rebuilt during the comprehensive restoration project in 1995. While dismantling the old stairway, historical evidence was found indicating that the main entrance arch made of stone bricks and two ogre statues at the stairway entrance were donated by King Tharrawaddy (King Shwebo) in 1842. As a result, these structures were preserved as part of Myanmar’s cultural heritage and were not demolished. Instead, they were reinforced using modern construction techniques, and this restoration can still be seen today. Additionally, two Icchāsaya Buddha Image, which were built in front of the main stone entrance after 1842, along with two lion statues donated by a merchant from Puzuntaung in 1887, and two crocodile statues inside the stairway without the names of donors, were also preserved.
During the 1995 restoration, several colonial-era elements were replaced. These included the removal of the flying figures, lion statues, and other ornaments, such as the royal crown insignia of Queen Victoria, from the top of the entrance arch. They were replaced with traditional Myanmar art and sculptures, restoring the stairway with Myanmar’s cultural craftsmanship.
When the Southern Walkway was rebuilt, it was designed and decorated with genuine Myanmar artistic craftsmanship. At the top of the walkway, you can see a nine-tiered roof structure adorned with traditional Myanmar wood carvings. In the centre is a three-tiered pavilion constructed with Myanmar-style zinc flowers, and other features include a seven-tiered pavilion, a pavilioned structure known as “Sanpare,” and the five-tiered leading roof and two side pavilions at the top of the platform, all showcasing Myanmar wood carvings.
The massive outer walls and iron railings of the southern walkway are decorated with 26 bronze Manussīha (a guardian of the combination of human and lion) statues, modelled after those seen in the stamp of the Pagoda Trustees’ Committee. At the top of the grand entrance gate, there are two stone lantern posts on either side, each guarded by three Manussīha statues. These lanterns are adorned with Kanote designs from the Amarapura era, and two staircases made of fine marble, modelled after the Inwa Mei Nu Brick Monastery, are placed at the entrance. The tops of these stair railings are carved with divine figures, crafted from white marble, which are also seen on the outer parts of the staircase, depicted in poses of worship. Additionally, inside the walkway, intricate wood carvings of Kanote designs can be found, with spikes of the “Sein Daung” (diamond hook) style surrounding “Thayetkin” (mango ginger).
Along the length of the Southern Walkway, statues and paintings depict the Eight Victories of the Buddha and the Great Buddha’s Life scenes. These have been meticulously restored to maintain their original heritage.
Additionally, along the Southern Walkway, you can see paintings depicting scenes such as the Buddha’s first sermon to the five ascetics (Pañcavaggiya), the Great Parinibbāna the donations and restorations by various kings, and the Ten Great Jataka stories. On the left and right sides of the Southern Walkway, there are Buddhist religious sales and stocks and flower shops. Towards the western outer side of the walkway, there are Pāḷi Piṭaka bookshops where one can find a variety of Buddhist literature, including the Tipiṭaka, Buddha’s history, and other religious texts.
The total cost for constructing the new Southern Walkway amounted to 248.3 million kyats, including 81.6 million kyats specifically for traditional Myanmar art. The grand opening ceremony of the Southern Walkway was held on the morning of September 18, 1996, with a large-scale celebration featuring traditional offerings of the devas and of the royality.
By 2023, after nearly 30 years since the 1995 restoration, the walkway’s Myanmar-style wooden carvings, sculptures, and decorative panels had deteriorated. These were replaced with new pieces, keeping the original craftsmanship intact. The roof was strengthened, repainted, and the gold steel spires were also replaced as part of the restoration effort.
Construction Details:
– Start date: April 20, 1995
– Completion date: September 16, 1997
– Length of the walkway: 770.8 feet
– Number of pavilions: 10
– Number of steps: 152
– Number of columns: 142
– Number of shops: 65
– Width of the walkway: 63 feet
When the Southern Walkway was rebuilt, it was designed and decorated with genuine Myanmar artistic craftsmanship. At the top of the walkway, you can see a nine-tiered roof structure adorned with traditional Myanmar wood carvings. In the centre is a three-tiered pavilion constructed with Myanmar-style zinc flowers, and other features include a seven-tiered pavilion, a pavilioned structure known as “Sanpare,” and the five-tiered leading roof and two side pavilions at the top of the platform, all showcasing Myanmar wood carvings.
The massive outer walls and iron railings of the southern walkway are decorated with 26 bronze Manussīha (a guardian of the combination of human and lion) statues, modelled after those seen in the stamp of the Pagoda Trustees’ Committee. At the top of the grand entrance gate, there are two stone lantern posts on either side, each guarded by three Manussīha statues. These lanterns are adorned with Kanote designs from the Amarapura era, and two staircases made of fine marble, modelled after the Inwa Mei Nu Brick Monastery, are placed at the entrance. The tops of these stair railings are carved with divine figures, crafted from white marble, which are also seen on the outer parts of the staircase, depicted in poses of worship. Additionally, inside the walkway, intricate wood carvings of Kanote designs can be found, with spikes of the “Sein Daung” (diamond hook) style surrounding “Thayetkin” (mango ginger).
Along the length of the Southern Walkway, statues and paintings depict the Eight Victories of the Buddha and the Great Buddha’s Life scenes. These have been meticulously restored to maintain their original heritage.
Additionally, along the Southern Walkway, you can see paintings depicting scenes such as the Buddha’s first sermon to the five ascetics (Pañcavaggiya), the Great Parinibbāna the donations and restorations by various kings, and the Ten Great Jataka stories. On the left and right sides of the Southern Walkway, there are Buddhist religious sales and stocks and flower shops. Towards the western outer side of the walkway, there are Pāḷi Piṭaka bookshops where one can find a variety of Buddhist literature, including the Tipiṭaka, Buddha’s history, and other religious texts.
The total cost for constructing the new Southern Walkway amounted to 248.3 million kyats, including 81.6 million kyats specifically for traditional Myanmar art. The grand opening ceremony of the Southern Walkway was held on the morning of September 18, 1996, with a large-scale celebration featuring traditional offerings of the devas and of the royality.
By 2023, after nearly 30 years since the 1995 restoration, the walkway’s Myanmar-style wooden carvings, sculptures, and decorative panels had deteriorated. These were replaced with new pieces, keeping the original craftsmanship intact. The roof was strengthened, repainted, and the gold steel spires were also replaced as part of the restoration effort.
Construction Details:
– Start date: April 20, 1995
– Completion date: September 16, 1997
– Length of the walkway: 770.8 feet
– Number of pavilions: 10
– Number of steps: 152
– Number of columns: 142
– Number of shops: 65
– Width of the walkway: 63 feet