Ava Kingdom's
Royal Angel Weights
ARAHANT
U Chit Sein (15th Gen) explained:
The Pagan "Pyin Yarshi" were the first to make Yadaya Angel weights and statues for King Swa Saw Ke. Their first weight/statue depicted the Monk Arahant sitting on an angel animal that carries him on his journey. Monk Arahany (pali: arhat) traveled day and night teaching Buddha’s ways. The Pagan "Pyin Yarshi" explained to the king the meaning of this weight is that people of Ava city will never surrender their belief in Buddha. This weight was intended for the royal family because of the powerful influences of Monk Arahant, illustrated and associated with the weight.
Pagan "Pyin Yarshi" explained to the king the meaning of their weight/statue. After listening, King Swa Saw Ke agreed to use this weight for royal family in palace. He proclaimed that the Pagan "Pyin Yarshi" mark would be a square mark and they could use letters or picture inside square mark. The meaning of square mark is Ava people are never afraid to live and protect Buddha's teachings and never change their devotions to the Buddha.
During King Swa Saw Ke reign, the square mark for weights was placed on the base in front. The King proclaimed Pagan "Pyin Yarshi" right to make weights so they continued to make others with Monk Arahant being carried by Angel Animals. The "Pyin Yarshi" explained these weights were also to be used as statues for prayer and worship. The Royal family used Monk Arahant weights for prayer and worship. During this time Ava had only a few royal Pagan "Pyin Yarshi", so Mon "Pyin Yarshi" also began making weights that were extremely beautiful.