The historic Shin Pin Tha Don Oo Pagoda, located in Ward 2 of Nyaung Tho Gyi town in Mandalay Region, has been damaged by an airstrike conducted by the military council. The attack occurred at 12:18 AM on June 23, when military aircraft dropped two bombs on the ancient religious site, causing significant damage to the pagoda’s walls and surrounding structures. This pagoda has been a prominent landmark in Nyaung Tho Gyi township and was known for hosting grand festivals featuring famous artists before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The history of Shin Pin Tha Don Oo Pagoda is deeply rooted in local folklore. According to traditional accounts, the pagoda’s origins are linked to a cow belonging to a cowherd named Maung Tha Don Oo from a village called Nwar Daw. Legend has it that a pagoda miraculously appeared where the cow had been rubbing its horns. Following the prophecy of the hermit Shin Naing San, the sacred structure was established and consecrated, leading to its name Shin Pin Tha Don Oo. During the early Bagan period, a future king known as Kun Saw Kyaung Phyu, who was then a betel seller, received divine assistance from the King of Celestial Beings while resting on his journey.
Before ascending to the throne, this future king made a sacred vow at this pagoda, promising to renovate and properly maintain it once he became ruler. True to his word, upon becoming king, he restored and enhanced the pagoda, which contributed to its enduring name as Shin Pin Tha Don Oo. The architectural significance of this religious monument lies in its unique design featuring seven tiers and a wooden pyatthat (tiered roof) enclosing the main stupa. The pavilion structure surrounding the stupa was constructed using 59 wooden pillars, demonstrating remarkable architectural achievement. Now, this historical monument has suffered considerable damage due to the military council’s aerial bombardment, marking a significant loss to Myanmar’s cultural heritage.
