Aloka
Pooja at Thanthirimale
The "Aloka Pooja" - illumination of the historic Thanthirimale
Buddhist Shrine will be sponsored by the Wijeya Newspapers (Pvt)
Limited on June 1, 2 and 3.
Built
during the Anuradhapura era in the 3rd century BC and situated on
a rock around 250 acres in extent, the Thanthirimale Shrine on the
borders of the Wilpattu National Park had been known as "Thiwakka
Bamunugama" during the times of ancient kings.
Thanthirimale
is situated in 64 kilometres away from the Anuradhapura-Thammannawa
road. It is believed that Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta on her way to Anuradhapura
with the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling rested here.
The
shrine was abandoned due to South Indian invasion during the end
of the Anuradhapura Era. It was renovated by the Chief Priest of
the North and East Ven. Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thera in 1960
and relocated many families in 81 villages around the shrine. He
also renovated 81 tanks in the area.
During
the war the Thera helped the displaced villagers. His student Ven.
Thanthirimale Chandarathana Thera became the Incumbent of the Shrine
after the murder of Ven. Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thera on July
21, 1992.
Ven.
Thanthirimale Chandarathana Thera has made arrangements to provide
for the many devotees arriving at the premises for religious observances
during the Poson Poya season. |