Modern Shwedagon Temple, Religious Buildings, and The Status of Religious Preservation

Reverend monks of Trustees

Board of Trustee Members

Board of Trustees Departmental duties

Structures and duties of The Department of Administration
( 1 ) In order to carry out annual contract activities, submitting audits to the board of trustees and conducting tax collection activities.

( 2 ) Four walkways and markets, Shop tax, Shop fee collection; Conducting electricity fee collection activities.

( 3 ) Old Tang Song Temples electricity bill, Water tax collection.

( 4 ) Conducting matters related to the supervision of religious associations.

( 5 ) Carrying out management and chores related to guardian monks.

( 6 ) Conducting administrative affairs of the Board of Trustees.

( 7 ) In events such as charity ceremonies, award acceptance ceremonies, meetings, guest arrivals, and seasonal festivals, responsibilities related to event preparations and the tasks of the organizing committee are carried out.

( 8 ) Responsibilities related to the cleaning of the Square,Planetary Posts , Four walkways, and market halls, as well as overseeing cleanliness, are carried out. Waste generated from the Square and the Horticulture ground is transported to designated waste disposal sites. From there, the waste is taken by vehicles to the designated waste disposal zones specified by the city for proper disposal.

( 9 ) Supervising and managing the daily regular operation of electric elevators and mechanical lifts to ensure they run smoothly.

( 10 ) Opening and maintaining inventory records, managing and overseeing related administrative matters, handling the management of vehicles for the Trustees office, purchasing and storing fuel for fire engines and other machinery, and distributing them as needed.

( 11 ) If visitors to the great stupa, who have come to pay homage and admire the Buddha, unexpectedly suffer injuries or experience illness on the square, a free health clinic is opened to provide medical care. Western and traditional medicine practitioners are available to treat and provide necessary treatment, and the purchase and replenishment of medicines and medical supplies are also managed.

( 12 ) In order to effectively carry out the duties of the great stupa within the staff residences located inside the Shwedagon Pagoda’s grounds, staff members from the Trustees office are assigned to the staff residences based on decisions made in the Trustees office meetings. A supervisory team is established, and regulations regarding the staff residences are set and enforced.

( 13 ) Issuing access cards for visitors to the upper platform of the Shwedagon Pagoda and setting regulations.

( 14 ) Managing and supervising services provided to visitors at the Shwedagon Pagoda, including collecting fees from the east and south vehicle parking areas, managing the shoe storage service, overseeing the cleaning services, and purchasing and replenishing necessary supplies.

Structures and duties of The Department of Museum and Gallery
(1) Providing support to visitors who come to admire and study the Shwedagon Pagoda Buddha Museum, Pittakat Library , and the Maha Buddha Exhibition Hall, ensuring their comfort. (For example, answering detailed inquiries and providing clear explanations as requested by the visitors).

(2) Carrying out the maintenance and preservation of materials related to the museum, the Pittakat Library, and the Maha Buddha Exhibition Hall to ensure their long-term durability.

(3) Carrying out cleaning and inventory checks of the museum and exhibition materials displayed within the museum and exhibition halls in accordance with the museum’s regulations.

(4) Opening a donation office in accordance with regulations to facilitate the process for visitors who come to admire and study at the museum, Pitakat Museum, Mahabodhi Exhibition Hall, and the photography exhibition hall, making it easier for them to make donations.

(5) To preserve the books and documents related to Buddhism at the pitakat library in accordance with the library’s regulations, using modern technology to ensure they are easily accessible for the public to read, and to maintain the donations of scriptures and texts offered by the public in a sustainable and durable manner. Also, to provide support with advanced systems to make it easier for researchers to access the materials they wish to read.
(6) Carrying out cleaning and environmental beautification activities inside and outside the buildings of the museum, exhibition halls, and pitakat library department

(7) Preserving valuable items, Buddhist-related books and documents, and displayed antique artifacts inside the museum, exhibition halls, and pitakat library using modern technologies to ensure their long-term sustainability. Ensuring proper security measures are in place to prevent damage, loss, or theft.

(8) The Gopa-ka group organizes art exhibitions and photo galleries from time to time to allow the public to learn about and admire the Buddha’s teachings. These activities are carried out in accordance with the museum and exhibition hall regulations by the museum, exhibition, and pitakat library department.

Responsibilities of The Central Storage Department

(1 ) Purchasing, storing, and distributing construction materials necessary for the regular maintenance and renovation of Buddhist heritage buildings as well as for separate construction projects.
(2) Purchasing, storing, and distributing electrical materials and water purification supplies necessary for continuous use at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
(3) Procurement of special materials that cannot be purchased domestically, in accordance with procedures and regulations, by ordering from abroad.
(4) Accepting religious items donated by the public to the Great Stupa (statues, statues, thrones, shrines, Kanakdan umbrellas, robes,etc.;) Storage Issuance)
(5) Purchasing, storing, and distributing writing tools, donation receipts, office stationery, and office equipment.
(6) Receiving and storing reusable construction materials from various renovation and construction projects, and distributing them for reuse in the workplace, or selling them through a tender process.
(7) Receiving and storing items such as bat dung and broken glass, and selling them through a tender process.

Responsibilities of the Finance Department
Collection and maintenance of donations and management funds, deposited into the bank and withdrawal, collection of fees from foreign visitors, maintenance, audits, and audit activities for spending money.
Responsibilities of Staff Affairs and Records Department

Matters concerning the Ovādācariya Sayadaws, issues related to members of the Trustee Board, staff affairs, event organization, guest reception, archival record keeping, and press releases.

Responsibilities of Gold and Jewels Department

The donation of gold leaf and gold plaques, the reception and safeguarding of gold and gemstone donations, and the work of related gold processing activities, including gold leaf production and the creation of gold wires and ornamental work.

Responsibilities of Business Urban Department

Religious buildings on the campus, Burmese works of art, buildings, roads, bridges, and canals were repaired, maintained, and prepared for festivals.

Responsibilities of Security and Fire Department
The security of Buddhist relics, providing 24-hour security and fire prevention services, the safety of pilgrims and state guests, and enforcement activities to obey the rules and regulations set by the Trustee Board.
Responsibilities of Department of Electricity and Water
To access electricity and water, and distribution, the maintenance of the laundry rooms, elevator, escalator, payment of electricity fees, payment of water taxes, religious ceremonies, and making necessary preparations at the meetings.

Preservation and Protection of the Sasana

Maintenance and Preservation of Shwedagon Pagoda and Religious Buildings
The various activities carried out for the maintenance and preservation of the Shwedagon Pagoda are not only extensive but also involve significant financial costs. To manage and safeguard these substantial funds, as well as to maintain and preserve the pagoda and related religious buildings, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture has directly appointed a Treasury Management Committee. This committee is organized systematically into ten major departments, each responsible for different aspects of maintenance and preservation. Each department is overseen by a member of the committee, who is responsible for specific tasks. The departments are structured methodically, with defined roles and responsibilities for the staff, and adequate personnel are be allocated according to the organizational charts developed by the committee. There are over 1,300 staff members, including officers, other levels of staff, permanent employees, and daily wage workers.
To ensure the effective maintenance and preservation of the pagodas, stupas, and religious buildings, the Treasury Management Committee receives close guidance from a council of senior monks. This council consists of eleven selected senior monks officially approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. The following measures are in place to ensure the long-term stability and preservation of the Shwedagon Pagoda and its religious buildings:
1. Formation of a council of senior monks to guide to the Treasury Management Committee.
2. Establishment of the Treasury Management Committee, with responsibilities divided among different departments.
3. Collaboration with religious organizations and staff to carry out preservation and maintenance activities.
Financial management and preservation efforts by the Treasury Management Committee play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability and maintenance of the Shwedagon Pagoda and related religious buildings.
Financial Management and Safeguarding
The Shwedagon Pagoda Treasury Management Committee has placed donation boxes with various intentions or purposes on the pagoda grounds to make it convenient for devotees to donate. Donation departments are also established. A joint team comprising security monks, committee members, security personnel, finance staff, and police collect and secure the donation boxes every night. The following day, the collected money is counted in a designated secure room and documented before being handed over to the finance department. The finance department then deposits the daily collected donations into government-operated banks the following day.
At the Shwedagon Pagoda, there are two types of income: donations from the public and management-related revenue from activities organized for the convenience of visitors. Expenses for offerings such as gold-leaf donations, maintenance of religious buildings, electricity, and water are covered by the donations. Salaries for staff and expenses for hosting guests are covered by management-related revenues. All income is formally documented with receipts, and all expenses are issued with payment vouchers to ensure proper financial control and usage.
The financial year is defined from January 1 to December 31 and plans for the upcoming financial year are compiled into an operational plan. Based on this plan, a budget similar to government procedures or estimated revenue and expenditure report is prepared and approved to ensure the proper control and usage of treasury funds.
Management and Preservation Efforts
The various maintenance and preservation activities for the Shwedagon Pagoda are extensive and costly necessitating systematic management and safeguarding by the Treasury Management Committee. The committee oversees and distributes responsibilities across ten major departments. Each department is led by a committee member and staffed with personnel assigned to specific tasks.
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.
Celebrations of the Shwedagon Pagoda Buddha Puja Festivals
The Shwedagon Pagoda, not only a symbol of the Buddhist religion in Myanmar but also a leading example, is the focal point for various ceremonies. The Pagoda Treasury Management Committee consistently organizes religious ceremonies on significant days related to the Buddha. These efforts also aim to preserve Myanmar’s cultural and traditional practices associated with Buddhism.
The committee has organized 84 religious associations to handle the various religious and maintenance activities related to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Additionally, there are 924 salaried employees and 326 daily wage workers. The Shwedagon Pagoda hosts year-round Buddhist ceremonies in a fully meaningful religious context, thanks to the devoted contributions of over 84 religious associations with an average strength of more than 4,000 members each and a workforce of 1,250 personnel, totaling over 5,000 individuals ensures that the 12 annual Buddhist festivals are celebrated with full religious significance.
The 2500th Anniversary of the Shwedagon Pagoda
The year 1373 ME marks the 2600th anniversary of the Shwedagon Pagoda. It is important to reexamine the significant events and ceremonies conducted during the 2500th anniversary (1273 ME), which took place 100 years ago. During that period, Lower Myanmar was under British rule, and the activities at the Shwedagon Pagoda were managed under British regulations.
From 1268 ME to 1273 ME, ornamented motif of inverted lotus petals, ornamented motif of full-blown lotus petals and row of bosses were made as gilding the upper portions of the Pagoda with gold plates. On Sunday, the 2nd waning of Kason, ME (1911 AD), a grand ceremony was held to reveal the gold-plated sections.
Gold-plated Shwedagon Pagoda’s terrace and grounds are cordoned off with red curtains. The plan is that when the rope is pulled, the curtain will open smoothly, revealing the gold leaf-covered area. In accordance with the British colonial period, prominent British officials, including four prime ministers, the Chief Commissioner Sir Harcourt Butler, General officers, and other noble audiences, were present. Upon the request to unveil the gold-leafed surfaces, the first public reading was done by Sayadaw and the virtuous Mayor U Pho Kyin, delivering an official speech. The gold leaf sheets were restored and offered by the Pateno Lord, much to the people’s appreciation. Following this, the chief celebrant, Mayor U Pho Thar, mentioned that this was the 2500th anniversary of the Pagoda. During the Gold Leaf Opening Ceremony, U Pho Myint requested that it was the right time to unveil the gold leaves. After delivering the ceremonial blessing, six gun-salutes were fired to commemorate the occasion, and when the rope was pulled, the nine red-covered lotus petals brightly revealed the golden light. More gun salutes followed.
Afterward, a feast was held in honor of 100 monks, with U Pho Thar, U Pho Min, and U Nay Dun offering alms and hosting meals. Guests were also treated to meals. The treasurers, dressed in long white robes, then honored and presented the gold-layering artisan U Thit with nine gold bricks and a badge as a reward. This event was documented during the Treasurers’ Association meeting held on May 14, 1911.
Even during British colonial rule, the treasurers and notable figures led the public in making gold offerings and hosting ceremonies at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Despite being under foreign rule, the 2500th anniversary of the Shwedagon Pagoda was celebrated, albeit in a subdued and declining manner, marking the conclusion of a significant period.
Shwedagon Pagoda 2600th Anniversary Festival
Since it has been 2600 years the Four-fold photograph of the revered Shwedagon Pagoda (Laysu Dhart Pone Shwedagon Pagoda) was first built, a great festival to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of Shwedagon hwe Tigon Pagoda is being held in a grand manner led by the Union Minister of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Yangon Regional Government. By celebrating the 2,600th anniversary of Shwedagon Pagoda, we will be able to remember the age of the Great Shwedagon Pagoda, worship its great attributes, and remember the teachings of the Lord Buddha. On the eve of the festival, a commemorative logo design competition, photo contest, painting competition, essay competiton were held to provide knowledge about Shwedagon Pagoda, offering with skills. Since the 4th day after the full moon of Tabodwe in 1373 before the Shwedagon Pagoda Buddha Pujaniya festival (11.2.2012), the diamond bud, and vane which were previously offered at Shwedagon Pagoda and preserved in the museum, were paid special respect by the local people while visiting the following 10 Sandawkyo pagodas(hair-relic pagodas) in Kwanchangon township, Kawhmu township, Twante township, Botahtaung township in Yangon division.

Wandering-being-paid-respected Sandawkyo pagodas(hair-relic pagodas)

Pagoda title The village where it is located Township Arrival date

Kyaik-de-kanaung De-danaw Kwanchangon 11-2-2012
Kyaik-an-khalon In Ga Lone Kwanchangon 12-2-2012
Sa Bagan Sa Bagan Kawhmu 13-2-2012
Kyaik-ta-yoe-nut Tarote Kone Kawhmu 14-2-2012
Kyaik-ta-go-tut Ta Guu Chan Kawhmu 15-2-2012
Kyaik Mon Hto Let Khaik Kawhmu 16-2-2012
Kyaik Kawhmu Kawhmu Kawhmu 17-2-2012
Hp La Gyi Hpa Yar Gyi Twante 18-2-2012
Kyaik Kay Sar Kabin Twante 19-2-2012
Botahtaung
(Kyaik-de-att) – Seikkan 20-2-2012

Publication of Dhamma books of Shwedagon Pagoda

The revered Shwedagon Pagoda came into existence on the full moon day of Tabaung in the year 103 of the Great Era (Mahasakkarat), when the Buddha appeared in Myanmar. Regarding the revered Shwedagon pagoda, numerous stone inscriptions , palm-leaf manuscripts, and historical chronicles have been inscribed and recorded. It has existed for more than 2,610 years and has a lot of historical memories. Shwedagon Pagoda, which is the most sacred place for Buddhists in the world, is important for the historical record to remain. For the history of Shwedagon Pagoda, the board of trustees of Shwedagon Pagoda decided to start publishing the book of Myat Shwedagon Dhamma in order to preserve the history. As a noble intention, starting from January 4, 2007, the first issue (Issue No. 1) of the Shwedagon Pagoda Newsletter was first published. The newsletter was published in December 2007, Volume 1; No. (6) was published. Board of trustee of Shwedgon Pagoda started publishing Volume (1), No. (1) in April 2008 and distributed the history of Shwedagon Pagoda to the public. In the sacred book, Myat Shwedagon Pagoda is the epitome of Theravada Buddhism. Dharma Puja Song , the teachings of the great abbots, poems, old photos, explained with articles. It is reported that Myat Shwedagon Dharma Book is spreading the Dharma legacy of Buddha.

Dhamma Books Volume (1)

Dhamma Vol-1 (No-1)
Volume 1, No (1)
Published in April, 2008
Dhamma Vol-1(No-2)
Volume 1, No (2)
Published in July, 2008
Dhamma Vol-1(No-3)

Volume 1, No (3)
Published in November, 2008

Dhamma Vol-1(No-4)
Volume 1, No (4)
Published in February, 2008
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-5)
Volume 1, No (5)
Published in July, 2009
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-6)
Volume 1, No (6)
Published in November, 2009
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-7)
Volume 1, No (7)
Published in May, 20011
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-8)
Volume 1, No (8)
Published in November, 2011
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-9)
Volume 1, No (9)
Published in August, 2013
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-10)
Volume 1, No (10)
Published in December, 2013
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-11)
Volume 1, No (11)
Published in May, 2013
Dhamma Vol-1 (No-12)
Volume 1, No (12)
Published in July, 2014

Dhamma Books Volume (2)

Dhamma Vol-2 (No-1)
Volume 2, No (1)
Published in November, 2014
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-2)
Volume 2, No (2)
Published in May, 2014
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-3)
Volume 2, No (3)
Published in August, 2015
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-4)
Volume 2, No (4)
Published in December, 2015
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-5)
Volume 2, No (5)
Published in June, 2016
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-6)
Volume 2, No (6)
Published in October, 2016
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-7)
Volume 2, No (7)
Published in December, 2016
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-8)
Volume 2, No (8)
Published in May, 2017
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-9)
Volume 2, No (9)
Published in October, 2017
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-10)
Volume 2, No (10)
Published in January, 2017
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-11)
Volume 2, No (11)
Published in June, 2018
Dhamma Vol-2 (No-12)
Volume 2, No (12)
Published in October, 2018
Dhamma Books Volume (3)
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-1)
Volume 3, No (1)
Published in June, 2019
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-2)
Volume 3, No (2)
Published in October, 2019
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-3)
Volume 3, No (3)
Published in March, 2019
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-4)
Volume 3, No (4)
Published in July, 2020
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-5)
Volume 3, No (5)
Published in November, 2020
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-6)
Volume 3, No (6)
Published in May, 2020
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-7)

Volume 3, No (7)
Published in January, 2022

Dhamma Vol-3 (No-8)
Volume 3, No (8)
Published in June, 2022
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-9)
Volume 3, No (9)
Published in January, 2023
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-10)
Volume 3, No (10)
Published in April, 2023
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-11)
Volume 3, No (11)
Published in July, 2023
Dhamma Vol-3 (No-12)
Volume 3, No (12)
Published in October, 2023
Dhamma Books Volume (4)
Dhamma Vol-4 (No-1)
Volume 4, No (1)
Published in January, 2024