1. 1
Historical Perspective of Signal Pagoda♣
Khin Thidar♥
Abstract
Signal Pagoda is situated on Alanpya Hill, Yangon. It is located in the southern part of
Dhammarakkhita Hill, on which Mahavijaya Ceti is built. Signal Pagoda is also known
as Sandawkyo Pagoda. This pagoda’s name is related to the History of Shwe Dagon
Pagoda. Traditionally it is believed that two merchant brothers Tapussa and Bhallika
carried the eight strands of Buddha’s sacred hair to Dagon after they paid homage to the
Buddha on the 49th
day after the Buddha’s Enlightenment. King and the people welcomed
the sacred hair in unison. They held ceremonies to welcome the sacred hair. Many
pavilions were made to revere them along the road. Each pagoda was erected at these
pavilions and named them as Sandawkyo pagoda. At present, one of the Sandawkyo
pagodas is still existed. An attempt has been made here to analyse the historical
perspective of Sandawkyo @ Signal pagoda. It also evaluates the art and architecture of
this pagoda. It also examines to how much extent this pagoda was significant in
Myanmar history.
Keywords: Buddha, Signal, Sandawkyo, Alanpya, pagoda
Introduction
Signal Pagoda is situated on Alanpya Hill, Yangon. It is located in the southern part of
Dhammarakkhita Hill, on which Mahāvijaya Ceti is built. Signal Pagoda is surrounded
by Mahāvijaya Ceti on the north, military units and battalions on the south. Living
quarters of military families is on the east and Shwe Dagon Pagoda is situated on the
west. It is also lie above one hundred feet at sea level.
Historical Background
History of Signal Pagoda is related with the History of Shwe Dagon Pagoda.
According to the Shwe Dagon chronicle, King Ukkalāpa constructed Shwe Dagon
Pagoda in 106 Mahā Era during the lifetime of the Buddha. Traditionally it is believed
that two merchant brothers Tapussa and Bhallika carried the eight strands of Buddha’s
sacred hair to Dagon after they paid homage to the Buddha on the 49th
day after the
♣
This paper was published in the Journal of The Myanmar Academy of Arts & Science, Vol. XI No. 9,
2012
♥
Dr., Lecturer, Department of History, University of Magway
2. 2
Buddha’s Enlightenment. King and the people welcomed the sacred hair in unison. 1
They held ceremonies to welcome the sacred hair. Many pavilions were made to revere
them along the road. Later, each pagoda was erected at these pavilions and named them
as Sandawkyo pagoda.2
The road was also known as Sandawkyo Road.3
At present, one
of the Sandawkyo pagodas is still existed and became known as Signal Pagoda.
According to the Kyaikkasan Pagoda Chronicle, the Buddhist Missionary led by
Shin Mahinda came to Suvannabhūmi. Shin Yassa, Shin Sona and Shin Sukhi were
included in this missionary. They had brought sixteen sacred hairs and thirty two relics
of the Buddha. The Buddhist missionary also came to Mahādīpa (Thanlyin) and
preached the Dhamma – the Teachings of the Buddha. At that time, King Sīhadīpa who
got the title of Bhogasena ruled Mahādīpa. The monks gave some of the relics to the
king. King Sīhadīpa ordered ten officials of the Court led by Sithugyi Mahā Sūrasena to
build each ceti. Among them, two brothers constructed each of the ceti along the
Sandawkyo Road. Elder brother built “Kyuikkhapokcanwat – Seven Cubit pagoda”.4
Younger brother erected a ceti and named it “Kyuikkhapokchwat” which means Minister
who could jump seven cubits built this ceti.5
Later, Kyuikkhapokchwat Ceti became
known as Signal Pagoda.6
The chronicle says that King Sīhadīpa and his ministers built
the eleven cetis7
and Signal Pagoda is the tenth ceti of them. By examining above two
chronicles, it seems that Signal Pagoda is built 239 Sāsana Era.
In 936 Sāsana Era, King Dhammapāla renovated the signal pagoda. In 1348 it is
collapsed and King Banya U rebuilt and enlarged it in 1355. In 1436 it fall down from
finial to hpaung yit – protuberant coils because of the earthquake and King Rājadhiraj
renovated. In 1452 Queen Shin Saw Pu gilded from banana bud to the base. Moreover,
King Bayinnaung reconstructed it in 1564. In 1775, Min Let Wai, a minister of King
Myedu rebuilt the pagoda.8
After the First Anglo-Myanmar War, the precinct of the
pagoda became the camp of the British forces. From the time onward to Japanese
1
Sayadaw Vamsaagga, 1963, p. 127
2
U Thwin, p. 28
3
Khin Pyi Chit, 2009, p. 11
4
U Ācara, p. 18
5
Hmawbi Saya Thein, 1915, p. 15
6
U Ācara, p. 19
7
The eleven cetis were: (1) Kyuikkachan Ceti, (2) Kyuikasut Ceti (Sule Pagoda), (3). Kyuikmesanchui
Ceti (Maha Sima in Pabedan Township) (4), Kyuikkamākamu Ceti, (5). Kuikkamācin Ceti (in Phaya
Phyu Monastery, Pazundaung Township), (6). Kyuikde:te Ceti, (7). Kyuikjwekamo Ceti, (8).
Kyuikdan:me Ceti, (9). Kyuikkhapokcanwat Ceti, (10). Kyuikkhapokchwat Ceti (Signal Pagoda), (11)
Kyuikde:up Ceti (Botahtaung Pagoda).
8
Khin Pyi Chit, 2009, p. 19
3. 3
Occupation Period, pagoda hill was the compound of British battalions. On 19 March
1873, a new “hti” was placed on the Signal Pagoda and there was a great gathering of
Myanmar who had special permission to visit the lines of the 67th
Regiment.1
In 1942
Japanese forces occupied the British station in Singuttara Hill and the environs. Signal
pagoda is still ruined and no one preserved it. After independence the battalions and
military units were stationed around the pagoda hill. Creeps and bushes covered the
platform of pagoda. After 1952, the wall was constructed around the pagoda platform.2
But everyone could not venerate Signal Pagoda because it was situated inside the
compound of Ministry of Defence. Only the families of Ministry of Defence could
renovate it.
The Ceti which earned Seven Titles
Signal pagoda is known as “Sandawkyo Ceti”. Moreover, it also called
“Kyuikkhapokchwat Ceti” in Mon language. Kyuik means pagoda, khapok – seven cubit
and chwat means could jump.3
In 1775 King Myedu fixed the new hti – umbrella of
Shwe Dagon Pagoda. At that time, his General Mahā Cañsū who got the title of Min Let
Wai renovated the ruins of Signal pagoda. Thus it became to call as “Min Let Wai
Pagoda”.4
In 1824, British Brigadier Mc Creagh stationed on Alanpya Hill for two years
and the Signal pagoda was also called “Mc Creagh’s Pagoda” after Brigadier Mc
Creagh.5
In 1835, Lieutenant Sale also stationed and commanded Gurkha: (member of a
Nepalese martial clan) soldiers. Therefore Signal pagoda was named as “Sale’s pagoda”
after Lieutenant Sale.6
The barrack near the pagoda was also called Sale Barracks. After
the British occupied Yangon, the British forces had stationed on pagoda hill. At that
time, ships were faced with accidents mainly due to the recklessness and carelessness of
pilots. By agreement with the owners and commanders of vessels fixed the rate of
pilotage. The British opened signalling station at Sale Barracks. They hoisted the flags
which signalled the ships entered into the Yangon River on the pagoda. Thus it acquired
the name of “Signal Pagoda – Alanpya Ceti”7
, in other words, it is called “Alantin
1
Nolan, 1924, p. 28
2
Khin Pyi Chit, 2009, p. 16
3
Ashin Lakkhana, p. 103
4
Hmawbi Saya Thein, 1912, p. 186
5
Pearn, 1939, p. 129
Photo I
6
Frasher, 1920, p.57
7
Pearn, 1939, p. 214
See Photo II
4. 4
Ceti”.1
During the First World War, it is known as “Gorakon Pagoda” because Gurkha:
soldiers stationed on pagoda hill and got the name of Gorakon.2
After independence, it is
referred to “Tat Oo Ceti – the pagoda which located front part of military compound”
because it is situated within the compound of Ministry of Defence.3
Today, Signal
Pagoda is allowed to worship for everyone because Ministry of Defence moved to
Naypyidaw. People could enter at the entrance on Shwe Dagon Pagoda Road and
venerate the Signal Pagoda.
Architecture
Signal Pagoda is 98 feet 4 inches high. The phinaptoau – the base is 86 feet and
pan:tankum – plinth is 5 feet 2 inches high. Then, it is made up of two terraces. The
terraces are called paccayā, meaning “support” in Pāli. The terraces of Signal Pagoda are
octagonal in form. It has 17 feet 11 inches high. Above the terraces rises an octagonal
dais called the rhac myohn – eight-edged. Then it has a series of three concentric rings
called kre:wan: – circular bolts. The part above kre:wan: is called khon:lon: – bell and it
is 11 feet 6 inches high. Then it has thirteen irregularly spaced concentric rings called
phon:yac – protuberant coils. Moreover, it has reminiscent of the double lotus throne –
an upturned lotus on an inverted lotus – which serves as the pedestal for some Buddha
images. The double lotus on the spire is encircled in the middle by a ring of spherical
bosses called rwe – glass globes, and each lotus has two layers of petals, the krāran –
matured lotus and krānu –tender lotus. The shape of an elongated teardrop is called
nhakpyophū:– banana bud. The uppermost part is the thī: – umbrella. The thī: is 12 feet
11 inches high. It is subdivided into three elements: the umbrella proper; the vane, called
the nhakmyatnā: – sacred bird’s rest; and the crown at the apex called cinphū: – diamond
bud.4
All of these are richly ornamented with jewels. There have four satellite pagodas
and lion figures on the pagoda platform. Moreover, there are eight planet posts on the
platform near the plinth.5
1
Ashin Lakkhana, p. 104
2
Min Ma Haw, 1976, p. 42-43
3
Khin Pyi Chit, 2009, p. 16
4
See Photo III
Khin Pyi Chit, 2009, p. 23
5
See Photo IV
5. 5
On the Platform
The platform is reached by two stairways located at the two cardinal points, the
east and the west. At the entrance, there have lion figures.1
Upper corridor is reached by
eastern stairway. On the right, Sandawkyo monastery is existed. Sayadaw U Ghosita
stayed there from 1952 to 1975. Sayadaw U Tiloka helped him to preserve the pagoda.
From 1975 to till today, Sayadaw U Sīrinanda resides in this monastery. He stayed there
since he was seven year old. He says that the clump of bushes and creeps were covered
on pagoda platform when he reached this monastery.2
There is a shrine of Sandawkyo Bo Bo at the left of south eastern corridor.3
In
former time, this shrine is not still there. It is placed in later time. In Yangon, most of the
pagodas have the shrine of Bo Bo. Shwe Dagon Chronicle says that when the Shwe
Dagon pagoda was built the king find the suitable place. Bo Bo Gyi indicated the proper
place and Sakkya Min helped in the construction of pagoda. Therefore the king placed
the statue for honourable to them after the completion of pagoda. It seems that the shrine
of Sandawkyo Bo Bo is dedicated to Bo Bo Gyi who helped to search for Singuttara
Hill.
A prayer hall is reached by stairways of south eastern corridor. A Crowned
Buddha Image4
is kept in a prayer hall. This image is sitting cross-legged Buddha image.
The attitude of hand (mudra) is Bhumiphassa Mudra - touching earth after the
Enlightenment and feet – Asana is Paryankasana – sitting cross –legged the left leg
above the right, it signifies serenity. The art of the image is the feature of modern time.
On the right of a prayer hall is a beautiful shrine sheltering a bronze image of Shin
Upagutta5
, a noted patron Saint (Rahanta) who is believed to be the protector of sea
voyagers. The shrine is also built in later time. Sayadaw says that a place where the
shrine was built had been an office of British Generals in the time of their stationed.
According to the photograph6
which was taken by Captain Linnaeus Tripe (1822-1902),
an army officer in the employment of the East India Company, it can be seen that a shed
was existed on the pagoda hill and it seems that it was an office of British Generals. Near
1
See Photo V
2
Interview with Sayadaw U Sīrinanda, 22.2.2011
3
See Photo VI
4
See Photo VII
5
See Photo VIII
6
See Photo IX
This Photo was received from http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/latrobejournal/issue/latrobe-79/fig-latrobe-
79-063b.hml
6. 6
the shrine of Shin Upagutta, the Buddha Image which style is the residing of the Buddha
at the Muccalinda Lake. Naga (mythical serpent) protected the Buddha from rain.
At the north western part of the pagoda, there is a big water tank.1
During the
First Anglo-Myanmar War, the British occupied the Shwe Dagon Pagoda and stationed
on Siguttara Hill and environs. They constructed a water tank on Signal Pagoda Hill to
contribute and supply water for battalions and military units. This tank was also called
Scotch Tank at that time.2
Now, it is not stored the water because the storage of water is
affected on enduring of Signal Pagoda. The platform of pagoda is narrow on this part
because of the water tank.
Inscriptions on small bells
Present thī: - umbrella is donated by Broker U Annt and Daw Phaw U in
November 1910. Ex-Yangon Mayor U Thin Maung renovated in 1945. Later, families of
Ministry of Defence renovated it continually with the supervision of trusteeship.
Sayadaw says that when thī: was taken down to renovate, he got six small bells which
inscribed the letters from thī:. 3
The letters are:
(a) The meritorious deed of a married couple of Maung Tha Oo in 1832.
(b) The merit of Me Don, Dewa and Laymen praise a good deed.
(c) The Buddha has ten Paramī. To dedicate the Buddha and to attain Nivana, Ko
Shwe Yit, wife Ma Kyuat Ba and sons and daughters donated in 1856.
(d) The good deed of Ma Ma May, wife of Liaison Officer in November 1910.
(e) The meritorious deed of Daw Gyi, Black Company, Taymye Quarter,
Pazundaung, Yangon in November 1910.
(f) The good deed of Brigadier General Tin Htut, wife Daw Ni Ni, Daughter Si
Si Htut, Son Aung Naing Htut, in 1974.4
The letters show that people made meritorious deed as much as they can in successive
era. During the colonial period, the pagoda was inside the British military compound.
But sometime the British gave permission to people for veneration and reconstruction. It
can be seen that people could donate small bells on pagoda’s thī:.
1
See Photo X
2
Frasher, 1920, p. 58
3
See Photo XI
4
Sayadaw U Sīrinanda’s collection, 1.3.2011
7. 7
Conclusion
No one can tell exact date of the building of Signal Pagoda. But History of
Signal Pagoda is related to the History of Shwe Dagon Pagoda and Kyaikkasan Pagoda.
Sometime it was collapsed. But the pagoda is not fall down completely and in successive
era, kings and people renovated and rebuilt it. After independence, everyone could not
venerate this pagoda because it is situated inside the military command. But nowadays
everyone can pay homage to Signal pagoda. The pagoda is gilded with gold plates and
renovated with the art of modern time. The arts of ancient time are disappeared. Literary
evidences and photographs show that the British used the pagoda to signalling their
ships. Moreover, they constructed a big water tank on the platform of pagoda. They did
not respect the religion of Myanmar people and even they used the religious land for
their benefits.
11. 11
References
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date
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1915
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The Illustrated London News, Oct 23, 1831
