Anuradhapura, a sea of white as Relics fervour grips ancient city

Priyanka Kurugala and Kithsiri Wanasinghe

At least 2,800 devotees are said to have surged through the inner sanctum of the Jayanthi Viharaya in Anuradhapura within one hour to pay homage to the Sacred Kapilavasthu Relics while around 600,000 devotees worshipped the Relics at Jayanthi Viharaya by noon yesterday braving the scorching sun as well as sudden rains.

As the Relics were about to leave Anuradhapura on their next journey to Kantale, thousands of devotees were seen standing in unwinding queues for long hours to get this once in a lifetime opportunity to pay homage and worship the Kapilavastu Relics.

The Relics were brought to the Anuradhapura Jayanthi Viharaya on August 24. Anuradhapura Jayanthi Viharaya Chief Incumbent Most Ven Nugethenne Pannarathana Thera said the entire city of Anuradhapura was a sea of white.

“The exposition of the Sacred Relics took place round-the-clock, to give each and every pilgrim the opportunity to worship the Relics.

All facilities were provided to thousands of pilgrims, such as drinking water and toilet facilities. Special dansal were also put up to cater to the teeming crowds,” he said.

Forces personnel provided round the clock security while devotional programmes and lectures on the history of the Buddhasasana were aired through loud speakers.

In the three days the Relics were on public display at Jayanthi Viharaya, a sizable segment of the country’s Buddhist population were blessed with the opportunity to be present before the Sacred Buddha Relics . The Exposition will be held in seven of the nine provinces.