Myanmar is abound in natural resources. As Theravada Budddhism is the flourishing religion in the country since the beginning of its historic period, religious objects such as pagodas, temples and monasteries are made (or) built of stone, brick, wood, metal, alloy and plaster.
Sandstone, dolomite stone, sagyin marble and laterite stone are commonly used for religious purpose. Among stones that are sculpted for images, Sagyin marble is rated the best in texture, hardness and beauty.
Sagyin marble was extracted and used only in the Konbaung period of Myanmar history, i.e. 18^th and 19^th centuries and that has become the favourite material for sculpting sacred objects.
Sagyin marble is extracted from the Sagyin h Hill Range, which lies in Madaya Township, Mandalay Division, about 21 miles to the north of Mandalay. The Range and its marble acquired the name of the village.
These extracted have been producing marble enough for ten thousands of images and some very big ones.
The colossal Buddha Images of Sagyin marble, all are dedicated by Myanmar Kings. They are the Lay kyun Man Aung Image, Mahaloka Tharahpu, Mara Thet Kya Yanthi, Maha Thet Kya Marazein and Loka Chanthar Abaya Laba Muni.

Lay Kyaun Man Aung
Lay kyun Man Aung is housed in a large shrine situated in Thotapan ward near Thayetpin Seik harbour in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Division. The literal meaning of its name is, "The victor over Mara the opponent in all four islands". The donor of this Image was king Taninganwe of Nuaung Yan dynasty. It is beautifully sculpted monolithic piece of Saguin marble. It measures 20 feet high, 13 feet and 6 inches in diameter between the knees and, 7 feet thick. Its pedestal throne was built of brick 4 feet and 3 inches high.
Maha Loka Tharahpu
The Maha Loka Tharahpu Image is now enshrined in Loka Tharahpu Temple located near the site of old capital Pinya near Inwa, Upper Myanmar. The donor of the Image was king Taninganwe of Nyaung Yan dynasty. His son and successor Mahadamayazadipati had it complete and gave it the name Maha Loka Tharahpu (The Great Crown of the World). The image measures 29 feet in height, 19 feet wide between the knees and, 9 feet in width and its pedestal is 3 feet and an inch high.
Maha Thet Kya Yanthi
Maha Thet kya Yanthi Image was built by King Bagyidaw great son of king Alaungpaya the founder of the third Myanmar Empire and grandson of king Bodawpaya. The sacred Image measures over 19 feet and 9 inches in height and over 4 cubits of diameter between the knees. When his nephew Prince Bagan became king the great image was moved to his capital Amarapura. The temple is situated by the side of "Taung Tha Man" Lake not far from Amarapura, the Image is commonly called Taung Tha Man Kyauk Taw Gyi (The Great Royal Stone Image of the Buddha at Taung Tha Man). Its official title "Maha Thet Kya Yanthi" literally means "The great light of Setkya Muni Buddha".
Maha Thet Kya Marazein
Maha Thet Kya Marazein is enshrined in a uniquely designed temple standing at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The donor of this Image was king Mindon second last king of Myanmar and gave it the name "Maha Thet Kya Marazein". (The Buddha of Sakya race, The Great victor of Mara the Opponent.) The Image measures 26 feet 6 inches high, 18 feet wide between the knees. This pagoda is also commonly known as the Mandalay Kyauk Taw Gyi.

Loka Chan Tha Abhaya Laba Muni
One hundred and thirty five years after the completion of the fourth Sagyin marble Buddha image in king Mindon time, there appeared another Sagyin marble Buddha image in 2000, the time of the present government.
The image was named "Loka Chan Tha Abaya Laba Muni". The image measures 37 feet high and 24 feet wide by 11 feet thick. The image is enshrined in Mindhama hill in Insein Township, Yangon Division. Lawka Chan Tha Abhaya Labha Muni is the largest marble Buddha Image in the world.
There are also many Buddha images of Sagyin Marble in different postures found enshrined in Buddhist temples abroad. These Sagyin marble images are of small or medium size, sculpted in Myanmar by Myanmar sculptors and donated by Myanmar Buddhist head-monks and devotees. Visitors and tourists at home and abroad come to view admire and marvel at this superlative marble monolith being turned into a colossal Buddha image.