• Burmese
Friday, July 11, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The Irrawaddy
26 °c
Yangon
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Junta Watch
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Books
  • Donation
No Result
View All Result
The Irrawaddy
No Result
View All Result
Home News Burma

Myanmar Junta Chief and His Two Favorite Monks Consecrate Pagoda Replica in Moscow

The Irrawaddy by The Irrawaddy
July 14, 2022
in Burma, Factiva, News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0 0
A A
Myanmar Junta Chief and His Two Favorite Monks Consecrate Pagoda Replica in Moscow

Min Aung Hlaing and Daw Kyu Kyu Hla hand over a diamond orb for the Shwezigon Pagoda replica to Sitagu Sayadaw on July 12 in Moscow.

9.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Two high-profile Buddhist monks who reportedly urged military chief Min Aung Hlaing to seize power well before he did so last year consecrated a replica of Shwezigon Pagoda together with the junta boss in the Russian capital Moscow on Tuesday, which marked the Full Moon Day of Kason.

The two monks in question were Sitagu Sayadaw Ashin Nyanissara and Dhammaduta Ashin Chekinda, whose ties with Min Aung Hlaing have deepened since the coup. Both monks reportedly called ahead of the general election of November 2020 for the military to seize power from the National League for Democracy (NLD) government. One of them even wrote a letter to Min Aung Hlaing urging him to stage a coup, according to a highly respected monk who has followers in the military and the ousted NLD government.

Their incitement appears to have been worthwhile; both are now the religious masters of a despotic ruler.

RelatedPosts

Myanmar Junta Chief Thanks Trump for Shutting Down VOA and RFA

Myanmar Junta Chief Thanks Trump for Shutting Down VOA and RFA

July 11, 2025
0
KIA Denies Rumor Chief Under House Arrest in China

KIA Denies Rumor Chief Under House Arrest in China

July 11, 2025
137
Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

July 10, 2025
495
Sitagu Sayadaw (center) and Min Aung Hlaing (far right) cut a ribbon at the consecration ceremony on July 12 in Moscow. / Venerable Ashin Nyanissara Facebook

Min Aung Hlaing, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, their son Aung Pyae Sone, Sitagu Sayadaw and Ashin Chekinda secretly left Naypyitaw on a Myanmar Airways International flight on Sunday. Their visit was only officially reported two days later. It is Min Aung Hlaing’s second visit to Russia since the coup. During his first visit in June last year, he consecrated a replica of Shwedagon Pagoda in Moscow.

Construction and consecration of the Shwezigon Pagoda replica were arranged by Sitagu Sayadaw, who has hailed Min Aung Hlaing as a “king” of great generosity and wisdom. Sitagu Sayadaw visited Russia 10 times to oversee construction of the pagoda. The last time he flew there was in September last year with the junta’s No. 2 man, Soe Win.

Ashin Chekinda sprinkles scented water on a pennant-shaped vane for the Shwezigon Pagoda replica on July 12 in Moscow. / Venerable Ashin Nyanissara Facebook

According to the Facebook page of Sitagu Sayadaw, the pagoda was funded by business tycoon U Aung Ko Win and his wife, who own Kanbawza Group of Companies, which has interests in many sectors including banking, insurance and aviation. The family owns Kanbawza Bank (KBZ)—one of Myanmar’s biggest—and is known to have close ties to Min Aung Hlaing.

The pagoda consecration was attended by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia Konstantin Kosachev and Deputy Defense Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin. Min Aung Hlaing called the Shwezigon replica in Moscow a milestone in cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Russia is the only country that has opened its doors to Min Aung Hlaing, and the only one he has visited over the 16 months since the takeover, as the junta chief has been shunned internationally for his violence against Myanmar’s people.

Min Aung Hlaing, SAC member Mahn Nyein Maung and Russian officials perform a religious ritual to mark the success of the consecration.

Moscow engages with Min Aung Hlaing not because it views Myanmar as a friend, but because Min Aung Hlaing’s regime is a cash cow for it. Russia is a major arms supplier to Myanmar, and the regime could be seen as partially funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The junta chief has not been received by Russian President Vladimir Putin during either of his visits.

Offering words of thanks after the consecration, the regime chief said Shwezigon Pagoda, located in Myanmar’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagan, was built by King Anawrahta on Shin Arahan’s advice—implicitly comparing himself to the founder of the first Burmese Empire and comparing Sitagu Sayadaw to the Buddhist monk who was credited with promoting Buddhism in Bagan Kingdom, today’s central Myanmar.

In just 16 months since the coup, Min Aung Hlaing has consecrated five pagodas. He is also having a Buddha statue—touted as the world’s biggest sitting Buddha image—built in Naypyitaw. Just a few days before his visit to Russia, Min Aung Hlaing showed off a big ruby, a gem traditionally associated with royalty and wealth in Myanmar. He called the ruby “priceless” and named it after his regime’s governing body, the State Administration Council, or the “Na Sa Ka Ruby”. Given that previous military dictators including Than Shwe and Khin Nyunt used white elephants, which are historically associated with kings and viewed as a source of royal power, to bolster support for their regime, Min Aung Hlaing may already have his men searching for an albino elephant.

The consecration ceremony is under way at the site of the Shwezigon Pagoda replica in Moscow on July 12. / Venerable Ashin Nyanissara Facebook

By smearing the NLD as an enemy of Buddhism in Myanmar, Sitagu Sayadaw and Ashin Chekinda aided and abetted Min Aung Hlaing even before he seized power from a democratically elected government and tormented millions of people. And the duo have actively helped Min Aung Hlaing exploit religion for political gain. Both have been rewarded for their allegiance to the junta leader. Sitagu Sayadaw has become the head of the Shwe Kyin sect, and Ashin Chekinda has been promoted to become the rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in a short time.

Construction of a pagoda in Russia does nothing to help the Myanmar people, many of whom have lost their families and friends, as well as their homes and belongings, and are suffering in one way or another in the post-coup turmoil. What Min Aung Hlaing will bring back—military deals with Russia—will only worsen the woes of Myanmar’s people.

Your Thoughts …
Tags: Ashin ChekindaBuddhist monksconsecratejuntaMilitaryMin Aung HlaingMyanmarpagodaregimereplicaRussiaShwedagonShwezigonSitagu Sayadawvisit
The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy

...

Similar Picks:

As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue
Burma

As Myanmar’s Military Stumbles, a Top General’s Dissapearance Fuels Intrigue

by The Irrawaddy
April 19, 2024
47k

The junta’s No. 2 has not been seen in public since April 3, sparking rumors that he was either gravely...

Read moreDetails
Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow
Burma

Enter the Dragon, Exit the Junta: Myanmar’s Brotherhood Alliance makes Chinese New Year Vow

by The Irrawaddy
February 12, 2024
44.8k

Ethnic armed grouping says it will continue Operation 1027 offensive until goal of ousting the junta is achieved. 

Read moreDetails
Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses
Business

Drone Attack at Myanmar-China Border Gate Causes Over $14m in Losses

by The Irrawaddy
November 27, 2023
38.6k

Jin San Jiao is latest northern Shan State trade hub in crosshairs of ethnic Brotherhood Alliance.

Read moreDetails
Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report
Burma

Arakan Army Captures Myanmar Junta Brigade General in Chin State Rout: Report

by The Irrawaddy
January 15, 2024
36.6k

Rakhine-based armed group has reportedly detained the chief of 19th Military Operations Command after seizing his base in Paletwa Township.

Read moreDetails
Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale
Burma

Myanmar Coup Leader Showers Medals on Troops as String of Defeats Erodes Morale

by The Irrawaddy
December 8, 2023
32.9k

Min Aung Hlaing was trying to distract attention from a string of military defeats by handing out 147 medals for...

Read moreDetails
AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns
War Against the Junta

AA Urges Myanmar Junta Troops to Surrender as Western Command Burns

by The Irrawaddy
December 18, 2024
25.4k

Ethnic army reportedly poised to capture regime’s last stronghold in Rakhine State.

Read moreDetails
Load More
Next Post
Junta Red Tape Sparks Medicine Shortages in Myanmar

Junta Red Tape Sparks Medicine Shortages in Myanmar

Pro-Regime Militia Blamed as Another Member of Myanmar’s NLD Killed

Pro-Regime Militia Blamed as Another Member of Myanmar’s NLD Killed

No Result
View All Result

Recommended

Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

Trump’s Tariffs to Hit Myanmar’s Garment Manufacturers Hard

2 days ago
956
‘Reforms Are Not Optional’: Prominent Activist Urges NUG to Act Before It’s Too Late

‘Reforms Are Not Optional’: Prominent Activist Urges NUG to Act Before It’s Too Late

2 days ago
951

Most Read

  • Chinese Investment Reshapes Myanmar’s N. Shan as MNDAA Consolidates Power

    Chinese Investment Reshapes Myanmar’s N. Shan as MNDAA Consolidates Power

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Myanmar Junta Deploying Conscripts in Major Push to Reclaim Lost Territory

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Junta Bombing of Resistance-Held Areas in Mandalay, Karenni Kills Seven Civilians

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Two Prominent Myanmar Ex-Political Prisoners Die Hours Apart in Yangon

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Chin Resistance Tensions Boil Over as CNA Seizes Rival’s Myanmar HQ

    shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get The Irrawaddy’s latest news, analyses and opinion pieces on Myanmar in your inbox.

Subscribe here for daily updates.

Contents

  • News
  • Politics
  • War Against the Junta
  • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
  • Conflicts In Numbers
  • Junta Crony
  • Ethnic Issues
  • Asia
  • World
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Election 2020
  • Elections in History
  • Cartoons
  • Features
  • Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Guest Column
  • Analysis
  • Letters
  • In Person
  • Interview
  • Profile
  • Dateline
  • Specials
  • Myanmar Diary
  • Women & Gender
  • Places in History
  • On This Day
  • From the Archive
  • Myanmar & COVID-19
  • Intelligence
  • Myanmar-China Watch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Fashion & Design
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Photo Essay
  • Donation

About The Irrawaddy

Founded in 1993 by a group of Myanmar journalists living in exile in Thailand, The Irrawaddy is a leading source of reliable news, information, and analysis on Burma/Myanmar and the Southeast Asian region. From its inception, The Irrawaddy has been an independent news media group, unaffiliated with any political party, organization or government. We believe that media must be free and independent and we strive to preserve press freedom.

  • Copyright
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Team
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Burmese

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Burma
    • Politics
    • World
    • Asia
    • Myanmar’s Crisis & the World
    • Ethnic Issues
    • War Against the Junta
    • Junta Cronies
    • Conflicts In Numbers
    • Junta Watch
    • Fact Check
    • Investigation
    • Myanmar-China Watch
    • Obituaries
  • Politics
  • Opinion
    • Commentary
    • Guest Column
    • Analysis
    • Editorial
    • Stories That Shaped Us
    • Letters
  • Ethnic Issues
  • War Against the Junta
  • In Person
    • Interview
    • Profile
  • Business
    • Economy
    • Business Roundup
  • Books
  • Donation

© 2023 Irrawaddy Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.