Min Kyawzwa (Burmese: မင်းကျော်စွာ, pronounced [mɪ́ɰ̃ tɕɔ̀zwà]; also known as U Min Gyaw and Ko Gyi Kyaw), is one of the 37 nats in the official pantheon of Burmese nats. He is a composite representation of multiple historical personalities. One version puts him as a son of King Theinhko of Pagan; he was murdered by his brother. Another version puts him as an adviser to King Alaungsithu of Pagan; he died an alcoholic. Another puts him as Crown Prince Minye Kyawswa of Ava, who fell in action in the Forty Years' War.[1] Yet another version puts him as a son of the Lord of Pyay and Kuni Devi. He reportedly was a "drunkard and cock fighter and also a good rider", killed by his victims turned devils.[2]
Ma Ngwe Taung, another nat, was seduced by Min Kyawzwa when they were both humans and abandoned by him.[3] She pined for him so much that her brother, who did not approve of Min Kyawzwa, became angry and pushed her off a cliff.[3] She helps women abandoned by husbands or lovers.[3]
Min Kyawzwa is the guardian of drunkards and gamblers, and grants wealth to those he favours.[3] His main shrine is in his hometown of Pakhan, near Pakokku in Magway Region, where his festival is held every March.[3]
- ^ "Myanmar Nats". myanmartravelagent.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ Hla Thamein. "Thirty-Seven Nats". Yangonow. Archived from the original on 2006-06-24. Retrieved 2010-09-23.
- ^ a b c d e Ma Thanegi (June 2014). "Spirit worship in Myanmar: The Nat Panthein" (PDF). My Magical Myanmar. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 19 July 2015.