Shin Thiwali (Burmese: ရှင်သီဝလိ, pronounced [ʃɪ̀ɴ θìwəlḭ], also spelt Maha Sivali) is a Buddhist arahant widely venerated among Burmese Buddhists. He is the guardian saint of travel and is believed to ward off misfortune at home, such as fire or theft.[1] His veneration predates the introduction of Theravada Buddhism into present-day Myanmar (Burma).[2] Shin Thiwali is typically depicted standing upright and carrying a walking staff, an almsbowl and prayer beads. Born to Queen Suppavasa, Shin Thiwali is believed to have remained in his mother's womb for seven years because of past karma.[2] After a week in labor, Thiwali's mother gave birth to a precocious boy who could immediately speak.[3] Thereafter, Buddha's chief disciple Sariputra admitted Thiwali into the Buddhist Sangha. The Burmese believe that he is still living, that he can be invoked to come by a special incantation and that his mere invisible presence will bring them prosperity and good fortune.[3]