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by Bernard Perera

A Buddha statute at Thanthirimale.

The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. and TNL have come forward to restore the road way for Buddhist devotees to visit Thanthirimale during this Vesak season. The road reconstruction work which commenced two weeks ago with the funds available from Vijabahu Trust Fund and public assistance will be ready for vehicular traffic, according to Viharadhipathi of the temple Ven. Thanthirimale Chandarathane Thera.

Thanthirimale rock-temple, a place of Buddhist worship with a cultural value is situated between Mannar and Anuradhapura. The area is considered neglected after the ethnic war which broke out in 1983.

Thanthirimale was built during the Anuradhapura era - 300 BC. It is believed that Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta on her way to Anuradhapura with the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling rested before reaching her destination. Here people of the area have gathered to receive her and treated the Bhikkuni.

The king belonging to the Anuradhapura era thought it is fitting to have a temple here for the benefit of Buddhism and for rural folk living in the area.

With many foreign invasions Anuradhapura and the surrounding area took a back seat and the wilderness overpowered all these Buddhist and cultural heritage of our country.

The Thanthirmale Ceitiya.

Late Viharadhipathi of Thanthirimale Kongatota Wimaladharmakeerthi Thera came up with better ideas in 1960. The Thera renovated the temple and the surroundings to attract pilgrims who arrive in A'pura. He also received assistance from the then Governments. The Thera's intentions paid heavy dividends and all pilgrims who visit the Atamasthana made it a point to visit this ancient temple nearly 40 miles away. These visits of devotees helped not only the temple but also the farmer community living around Thanthirimale. The Thera went further in finding places of historical values that began with the Anuradhapura regime. His mission on this sphere received the fullest co-operation from the masses. He was able to locate Pemaduwa a village close to Willachchiya Tank where farmers were the main residents.

At present Ven. Pemaduwe Sumangala Thera is the Viharadhipathi of Pemaduwe Raja Maha Viharaya. According to Sumangala Thera the war which broke out in 1983 put a halt to all aspirations of the late Ven. Wimaladharmakeethi Thera. The masses too suffered the same fate they were unable to lookafter their temple and priests as they had to flee the area. But the Nayake Thera never looked back. He continued his work on his objectives.

The year 1991 became the saddest year for the masses here when Thanthirimale Viharadhipathi was assassinated. Ven. Thera's death completely changed the complexion of Thanthirimale. The arrival of pilgrims came to a standstill. The masses had to face great difficulties as such the temple too had to undergo many hardships in maintaining these, the Thera said. The Ven. Sumangala Thera said as peace is in sight, the lifestyle of these farmer community could be improved provided the devotees who arrive in A'pura during Vesak and Poson make visits to these areas too. These visits could also help the people of this area in many ways, he said.

Sri Pushparama Viharaya

The Sri Pushparama Viharaya at Sandamal Eliya is also a temple founded by late Ven. Kongastota Wimaladharmakeerthi Thera. The Viharadhipathi of the temple Indiwewe Sangharathana Thera said that around 300 families live around the temple, whose main income source being farming. Before the war broke out these families lived as one family belonging to the temple. They looked after this and helped in many ways to develop the temple as it served them immensely. Before the death of Thanthirimale Chief Priest it was the masses that looked after the temple and its priests but things have changed and now priests have to play a vital role in keeping the masses together and attend to their needs.

The Thera added that it is the turn of the people of South to visit these temples and assist in any possible way to uplift development work of the temple which is vital as it in turn help the masses for their living.

Ven. Sangharathana Thera does the work of the temple and other connected work for the sake of the masses with the help of 14 year old Samanera Indiwewe Ananda Thera. Sandamal Eliya temple is situated on the edge of North boundary of the Wilpattu Santuary.

Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharadhipathi and Deputy Chief Sanghanayake of North East Ven. Thanthirimale Chandrarathana Thera makes a fervent appeal to all Buddhist devotees to visit these places of worship in and around Thanthirimale which is of vital importance in bridging the gap between the farmer community and the visitors. These visits also ease the tension of the people who have undergone many hardships and bring them solace.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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