Welcome to MRTV-3
Yearly Pilgrimage To Mann Shwe Set Taw
A famous religious site where two Buddha’s Foot-Prints were enshrined is situated in western Sagu Township in Minbu District, Magaway Region. There are three foot-prints set by Lord Buddha when He was alive.
Only two of them can be found in Myanmar. These two foot-prints were enshrined on either side of the Mann creek, which was formerly known as Nanpada river. So, the place is popularly known as Mann Shwe Set Taw Pagoda.
The first one on the bank of the Mann creek is called lower Set Taw Yar. Buddha set His foot there upon the humble request made by Dragon King of Nanpada. The devotees can pay homage to this lower Set Taw Yar only during the festival days. When the festival days are over, it is covered with the iron lid to protect it from the natural disasters. The festival is held annually for 3 months from 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year day and devout pilgrims from all over the country and tourists visit there.
The second Buddha’s Foot-Print was enshrined on the peak of ThitsarBanda Hill, where Buddha set His foot upon the humble request made by Arhat ThitsarBanda and the place is known as Upper Set Taw Yar. Those pilgrims traveling there on foot will have to pass through many stair-ways and the shrine of hermit U Khante with reverential twenty eight Buddha images at each side of the shrine. Devotees can also see a huge lucky owl statue. Those who go up in a car can pay obeisance to Maha Myatmuni Image at the Koe Khan prayer-hall on the way. The real Buddha’s Foot-Print was enshrined in the pagoda and pilgrims can offer reverently by gilding the pagoda with gold leaves personally. One can also pay homage to the replica of the foot-print at the side of the pagoda. Mann Shwe Set Taw festival is always thronged with devotees from the vicinity as well as those from all over Myanmar.
Pagoda festival is celebrated for 3 months from the 5th waxing day of Tabodwe to Myanmar New Year Day. Devotees can also come during remaining periods. Those who pay obeisance to these two Set Taw Yar foot-prints will be blessed with a long, healthy and happy life. And bathing in the cool Mann Creek is good for health. It will help you to refresh from weariness. So, all are invited to come and make a pilgrimage trip every year.
U Than Ngwe
Member of the Pagoda board of trustees
Pilgrims
Ngathine Chaung Township,in Ayeyawady Region
Paying obeisance to Buddha’s original Foot-Prints, I’m pleased to pray for the good health and prosperity of our family and for the well-being of Myanmar people and citizens of the world. We also wish to pay homage to Shwe Set Taw Pagodas for many more years to come.
U Tun Yin
Khunsar Village
Sagu Township
Thankfully it is seventh consecutive annual pilgrimage to Mann Shwe Set Taw and I feel I have gained good health and longevity. I gild the pagoda with gold leaves annually and if I could come again next year it will be my 8th consecutive pilgrimage.
It is truly beneficial to pay homage to the place where Lord Buddha had set His foot-prints. I try to come every year without fail. Bathing in the cool and clean water of Mann creek will make you cheerfully healthy and free from all kinds of ailments.