Shin Iza Gawna

Shin Iza Gawna , also known as Shinmahtee Sayadaw , is a prominent Burmese weizza who lived during the Pagan era. After achieving success with the philosopher's stone, Shin Iza Gawna is said to have caused gold and silver to rain down in Pagan. This miraculous event led to significant wealth for his followers and is believed to be the origin of the construction of thousands of pagodas in Pagan.

Legend According to legend, the monk was originally known as Shinmahtee Sayadaw during the reign of King Alaungsithu of Pagan. Some sources suggest that Shin Iza Gawna lived during the reign of King Thamoddarit, the legendary founder of the Pagan Kingdom. He was skilled in alchemy and sought to attain the philosopher's stone. To support his quest, many devotees, including King Narathu, donated their properties and gems to him. However, after numerous failures, many of his followers fell into dire poverty. This angered King Narathu, who eventually ordered that the monk's eyes be gouged out.

Legacy

In Nyaung-U, there is a Buddhist temple known as . According to stone inscriptions, the pagoda was established by Maha Thamangyi, a court official who served under King Kyaswa, and his wife. However, the pagoda was later renamed Iza Gawna Pagoda in honor of Shin Iza Gawna, as artifacts associated with alchemy were discovered within the pagoda.

At Shwedagon Pagoda, there is an Iza Gawna Buddhist Image in the Iza Gawna prayer hall, which is believed to have been donated by Shin Iza Gawna.

In , there is a temple known as Lemyetna Cave Pagoda. It is believed that this cave pagoda was established by Shin Iza Gawna, who is said to have meditated in the cave according to the pagoda's history.