Annual festival of Ukanthamalai Sylvan shrine

V. P. Sivapragasam
Akkaraipattu group corr

AKKARAIPATTU: The Sylvan shrine of the Ukanthamalai Shri Murugan Kovil, in the jungle amidst rocks, devoted to the Kataragama Deity, is teeming with pilgrims as the annual festival began on July 15 with the “Mayoora Flag-Hoisting” ceremonies, conducted by a dozen priests.

The Ven. Shiva Aghama Kiriya-Juti, Siddhantha Banu Shiva Sri Sita Ram Kurukal conducted the poojas assisted by Ven. Isana Shiva Achariyar, Shiva Shri Sat Chit Ananda Kurukal, Shiva Shri Illi Palanivel Kurukal, Shiva-Shri M. Vettivel Kurukal and Shiva Shri M. Uma Sutha Sarma.

The inspiring ceremonies and rites began in the morning and continued till late afternoon, in the midst of chanting of Sacred Sankrit hymns, and cries of “Haro-Hara.”

The Chairman of the Temple Committee, Nadarajah Tharmalingam, the Senior Supdt. of Police, Ampara District and several local Heads of Depts. and Institutions participated in the ceremonies.

The security in the area was strengthened with an addition to Security Forces, as decided at a meeting held at the kachcheri, Ampara. Thousands of worshippers at the hallowed shrine ensured a manifestation of divinity and sublimity.

Pilgrims said a devout prayer at this brought them success. A striking feature at the Ukanthamalai Shrine was that the worshippers belonged to the various religions in the country and an air of love and friendship prevailed.

Many thousands arrived at Ukanthamalai Temple with the intention to proceed to Kataragama on a “Pada-Yatra” - “pilgrimage on foot. The pilgrims are sheltered under the spreading trees. The NGO, “Foundation for Co-Existence” is keen on restoring a Pilgrims’ Rest at a cost of Rs. 2 million.

The Temple and the many Pilgrims’ Rests suffered damage in the tsunami.

The local Authorities in the district are providing drinking water to the pilgrims. A matter lacking is the Temple is to provide facilities for health and sanitation, toilets are inadequate. The Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development has decided to provide facilities for sanitation.

The GA Ampara has taken all measures to ensure the successful completion of the festival which would conclude on July 30 with the water cutting ceremony. The CTB has provided adequate buses for the pilgrims.