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A site of historical and religious significance, the Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya will be lit up this Poson, revealing its majestic beauty

Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya will once again spread its gentle Poson Poya message to countless devotees, amidst the dazzle of thousands of electric bulbs of the Aloka Pooja that will take place at this ancient rock temple.

“About 400,000 devotees arrived at this sacred temple for last year’s Poson programme, and this time too we are expecting at least half that number, despite the country’s tense situation,” said Ven. Tantirimale Chandrarathane Thera, Chief Incumbent of the viharaya.

According to him, many pilgrims come to the temple over weekends and on poya days, especially on Vesak and Poson. Nearly one thousand people, both villagers from the area and pilgrims from far off had participated in the Vesak sil programme this year. “About 25% of the foreigners who visit Anuradhapura, come to Tantirimale,” the Thera said.

Recalling how this ancient temple regained its lost glory, he said for many years after the war, the temple remained more or less in isolation, until Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., undertook the task of lighting up this viharaya for Poson. This is the third year the lights will shine from Tantirimale.

“There are close links between the temple and the villagers. Be it health, education, security or employment, the temple is looking after all these aspects,” said the Thera, explaining that there are about 2,700 villagers. “They participate actively in all temple programmes, offer alms and hold Buddha pooja. This is how they show their appreciation for the support they receive from the temple.”

Referring to the facilities available for pilgrims, the Chief Incumbent said there are two spacious vishrama shalas (rest rooms) and also adequate water. There will also be two large bath dan salas to provide meals for them, while toilet and parking facilities will also be available. “Earlier people didn’t have a place to have a cup of tea, but now there are tiny boutiques by the roadside. The road leading to the viharaya has also been developed and is better than last year. The Asian Development Bank funded the reconstruction of about 18 km of the road, while the balance was improved through a shramadana campaign carried out by the Provincial Council with the support of the villagers and army and police personnel,” he said.

Those living in the village scattered around the rock temple depend on agriculture for their survival. Thousands of acres of land, in a pastoral setting, around Tantirimale, are inhabited by small communities, while a majority live near the beautiful tank. A post office, a police station, a rural hospital and a few army camps make up the rest.

Situated 64 km from Anuradhapura on the Thammannawa Road, the Tantirimale shrine was built during the Anuradhapura era in the 3rd Century BC. It is believed that Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta on her way to Anuradhapura with the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling rested here.

Another historical link, according to legend, is that King Dutugemunu, who first opposed the marriage of his son, Saliya, to Asokamala, later presented her a necklace made of gold with the links in the shape of a common butterfly called Thanthiriya. Asokamala is said to have enshrined this necklace in a rock, and the place was known thereafter as Thantirimale.

The temple which was neglected due to South Indian invasion during the end of the Anuradhapura era was renovated in 1960 by Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thera.

The Tantirimale temple is known for the 45 ft long reclining Buddha, the 8 ft Samadhi pilima, bawana kuti, a poth gula, caves containing frescoes and paintings and a museum.