Tourist Guide To Mrauk-U

U Mra Wah Statue    There was a tradition in Rakhine in olden days that whenever a new Buddha image, pagoda or temple was built around the country, smaller replica had been sent to this hill in Mrauk-U. This hill has also been known as the Phra-poung-taung since all images, pagodas and temples were collectively kept there. On going up along this route, one can reach U Mra Wah Pagoda. The pagoda was donated by King Mong Bar Gri in dedication to Shun-nge Sara U Mra Wah who sacrificed his life for the longevity of Mrauk-U city. At present, only the square basement of the pagoda can be seen. Scenic view of Mrauk-U can be enjoyed from the hilltop. Credit:  Aung, Myar. Famous Monuments of Mrauk-U (Useful Reference for Tourists and Travelers) . (2nd ed.). Yangon, Myanmar. Middle Line.  P.71

Shin Mya Wa was a courtier. His father was Maha Nan Da Thin Kyan, the governor of Sinetin. His mother was Zay Ya Khay Ma, the daughter of Sin Kay Aung Tin and Saw Than Da. He was born at 4 AM on Thursday in the fullmoon day of waso in 1542 AD. Shon(Shin) Mra (Mya) Wa Image King Min Bar was also born to Saw Nan Di, the elder sister of Zay Ya Khay Ma and king Min Ra Zar on Saturday in the month of waso in 1542 AD. Therefore, Shin Mya Wa and king Min Bar were cousins. Maha Pin Nya Kyaw was born in 1539 AD. Shin Mya Wa, king Min Bar and Maha Pin Nya Kyaw were friends. Those three friends. Those three friends were educated in the monastery of monk Agga Sein Day Ya until the age of 16. And then, those three friends went to India to study further education. King Min Bar and Maha Pin Nya Kyaw returned to Rakhine after they had completed in education. But, Shin May Wa changed into an ascentic and studied under the ascentic Thi Ri Vi Tha Noe for 23 years. After he had completed in educa...