King Bayinnaung Bell, view 6

King Bayinnaung Bell Inscription.

The King Bayinnaung Bell Inscription, donated by King Bayinnaung at Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan in 1557, document the donations made for Buddhist religious merit and are inscribed in 3 languages; Myanmar, Mon and Pali. It’s likely the only trilingual bell inscription in the world. The bells record: donor name, their meritorious deeds, prayers, occupied regions with dates; date of throne ascendance and bell donation date. They also include: the regal titles for the king and his chief Queen, the achievements of the King Bayinnaung, etc. Animistic practices and superstitious beliefs were eliminated by royal order in the propagation and supporting of the Theravada Buddhism. It’s important in Myanmar history and cultural heritage.