Maung Minbyu
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Maung Minbyu (Burmese: မောင်မင်းဖြူ [màʊɰ̃ mɪ́ɰ̃ bjù]), also known as Min Phyu or Minye Kyawswa, is one of the 37 official nats in the Burmese pantheon of spirits.[1]
Maung Minbyu is identified with several legendary and historical figures. One account says he was a prince of Ava who died from the overuse of opium. Another version claims that he was the reincarnation of Bawlawkyantaw, the son of King Razadarit of Hanthawaddy, who was executed by his father when he was around seven years old.[2]
Most notably, he is associated with Crown Prince Minye Kyawswa, the son of King Minkhaung I of Ava and Princess Shin Min Neng of Maw. In his previous life, it is said that he was the son of Raja Dhiyaraj of Hanthawaddy. After being killed by his father for displaying martial prowess too early in life, he was believed to have prayed at the Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda to be reborn as the prince of Inwa to take revenge against Raja Dhiyaraj.
Life and military campaigns
According to chronicles, his mother, while pregnant, craved soil from Hanthawaddy, mangoes from Mottama, and cold water from Pyin Salai Island—interpreted as omens of his reincarnation. He was born and named Min Phyu (Minbyu). Even as a child, he was said to be restless and destined for war.
When his father ascended the throne as Min Khaung, he was titled Minye Kyawswa. His mother had earlier been captured during a war and taken to Hanthawaddy. At the age of 17, Minye Kyawswa requested to lead a military expedition and marched south with a massive army. Unable to conquer Hanthawaddy, he turned west and conquered Rakhine, then returned to Ava and led a campaign to the Shan State and attacked Sini. He also led a large naval fleet in support of his father.
