The project is called Ananta Theikdi Su-Htoo-Pan Buddha Statue Project and is designed to build one of the largest Buddha statue in the Pacific region.
The statue will take at least four years to build extending from 2010 to 2014. The project timetable is as follows:
Year 2009 : To establish a registered association and company, prepare the Master Plan blue print and presentation.
for the land acquisition proposal to the NSW Government and launch the world wide web site.
Year 2010 : To commence Buddha Statue Foundation and to start Statue construction.
Year 2014 : To complete Buddha statue including Palin (Throne) and Yin Pyin (platform).
Year 2016 : To commence construction of other religious buildings (Sima, Recreation Hall, Monastery etc.) and have
land scaping completed.
Year 2018 : To commence construction of meditation village
The project Master Plan blue print will be prepared by Myanmar Architects and Engineers . The detailed design will be finalised to Australian standard by the licenced engineers from Australia to get approval for construction.
The construction of the Buddha Museum will be part of the project.
The Master Plan is to build 55 meter high statue as project phase I. The Dhamma Halls from various countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Japan, etc.) and Main Sima Hall (Thane) will be build as project phase II.
The Project requires the land of 20 to 30 acres (8 to 12 hectares) in size to accommodate the Buddha statue and other religious buildings, garden, lake, roads, car park and meditation village. It is desirable to have the statue built on top of the high land to give a spectacular panoramic view of the well illuminated statue from a good distance especially at night time.
The location should be not more than 1 hour drive from Sydney CBD and it will be an easy access from the main highway. The decision on the location will be decided upon providing an easy access for the pilgrims and tourists to visit. At this stage, the team is looking at theGoulburn area beside the express way to Canberra. One of the Executive Committee members, Dr Hla Sein Wai is the Land Manager and in-charge of the land search and land acquisition from NSW Government .
The Buddha Statue will be holy and entitled as “ANATA THEIKDI SU-HTOO-PAN BUDDHA”; meaning Buddha that gives blessing with eternal fulfilments.
With the guidance from Sayadaw, the statue is selected from the 1000 years old ancient Rakhine Vesali age. The design and architecture of the statue and throne reflects an Ancient Rakhine Vesali kingdom era, the time when this style of potable Buddha statues were particularly made for Coronation Ceremonies.
The statue was meticulously crafted by the finest experts in Sculpture and Jewellery supervised by the Chief Minister of the Palace. The Buddha statue was then embellished with a Crown (Magite) studded with precious jewels and The Regalia of Rakhine Kingdom.
The Rakhine King had to place the Buddha Statue on top of his head while taking an Oath before the Supreme Monk of the Buddhist Religious Order. In ancient Buddhist literatures, this style of Buddha statue was described as “Mahar Kyein Buddha” which generally implies “deepest solemnly oath” like the king takes an Oath, believing that one who keeps his promises with honours will be cherished with infinite blessings.
The replica statue will be built in 180 feet (55 meters) high from the base of the throne to the top of the crown.
Notes: VESALI age (Vesali is ancient city located 8 kilometer north of Myauk Oo. First Vesali was believed to be ruled by Rakhine Kings of dynasties till 3325 B.C. The second Vesali was believed to begin at the end of 8th century which is after the end of Dhanyawaddy dynasties in 350 to 370 A.D. The ruins of ancient city walls, city gate pagoda and cementry can still be seen today.
The Buddha statue itself (excluding throne and platform) is 135 feet high hollow structure supported with steam columns and beams. Fibre glass mould and or steel mesh will be fabricated to the curve of the statue and it will be sprayed with concrete. The final touch-up of architectural details will be done with fibre glass and or copper plates.
The preliminary structural design will be done in Yangon. A licensed structural engineer in Australia will be engaged to finalise the structure design to get NSW authorities approval for construction.
Once the land is granted from the NSW Government, the foundation piles will be laid first (if required) and the steel column will be constructed on top of the piles. The steel beam will then be constructed on to the steel columns inside the statue.
The Throne (Palin) will be 45 feet high cave like structure for Buddhist Museum. It will be built with reinforced concrete and brick.
The Crown (MAGITE) will be fabricated separately and, erected and bolted up on top of the statue.
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