As preparations are on to celebrate Poson poya in Anuradhapura on a grand note, the historic Thanthirimale stupa and its precincts will once again be illuminated to welcome thousands of devotees who flock to this historic temple.
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| Ven Thanthirimale Chandraratne Thera |
During the aloka pooja on June 15, 16 and 17, the Chaithya, sacred Bo tree, vihara ge and surroundings will be lit up by the Wijeya Group for the eighth consecutive year. Parallel to the aloka pooja, there will be an exposition of hair relics of Lord Buddha brought to Gangaramaya temple from Bangladesh on June 15 and 16 at the Viharaya.
Located 42 km from Anuradhapura, the Thanthirimale temple was built in 3rd Century BC. It is historically important as it is known as the landing point for Sanghamitta Thera when she visited the country bringing the sacred Bo sapling. It was at Thanthirimale that she stayed overnight, explains its current Chief Priest Ven Thanthirimale Chandraratne Thera.
Sanghamitta Thera and her entourage were taking the sacred Bo sapling to Anuradhapura via Malwathu Oya and when they were passing the village of Thiwakka Bamunugama, now known as Thanthirimale they were received by Thiwakka Brahamin, chief of that village who provided food and shelter to them for the night, allocating the sapling the highest point of his village for public veneration. The shrine was abandoned due to South Indian invasion during the end of the Anuradhapura era.
In 1960, it was renovated by the Chief Priest of North and East Ven Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thera who got down families from areas like Medawachchiya and Vavuniya to settle down in the village surrounding the temple. The priest cleared a part of the jungle and got the tanks repaired to build a settlement.
“In the days gone by it was a thick jungle and no one knew that this place existed. The temple and the village came under LTTE attack several times including the 1992 bomb blast which claimed the life of the then chief priest.
People started coming to the temple after the aloka pooja was started. As a result the village was developed with necessary infrastructure, says Ven Chandraratne Thera. Among the pilgrims who visit Thanthirimale now are foreigners. Facilities such as water, electricity, sanitary and accommodation are in place while roads have been done up to ensure hassle- free access for the devotees. Medical facilities also have been strengthened at the hospital close to the temple.
Distribution of uniform material and stationery for about 400 children of the Sangamitta Dhamma school at Thanthirimale by the management and the staff of Wijeya group will also take place as a part of this aloka pooja programme.
WNL first commenced illuminatuing Thanthirimale in 2004. Even during the height of war, the illumination programme continued, the Thera added.
A Bhakthi Geetha recital and lantern competition are some of the other highlights of the programme. A special bana is also scheduled to be held on poya day. With due infrastructure in place, the number of pilgrims keeps increasing every year, according to the Thera who says that this time large numbers are expected due to the special event of relic exposition. |
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