Sacred Relics leave Anuradhapura amid emotional scenes

Priyanka KURUGALA , Kithsiri WANASINGHE and Amila PRABATH WANASINGHE

Thousand of devotees queued up from day before yesterday to pay homage to the Sacred Relics at Agrabodhi Viharaya in Kantale.

The Sacred Relics arrived at Agrabodhi Viharaya in Kantale yesterday morning, Buddhist Affairs Commissioner General Chandraprema Gamage said.

After the preliminary rituals and traditional ceremonies, the Relics were unveiled for public veneration at Agrabodhi Viharaya, he said. Authorities have provided all facilities for devotees to pay homage to the Relics, including the setting up of dansal, Gamage said.

Most Ven Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera, Ven Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera,

Anuradhapura Jayanthi Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven Nugethenne Pannananda Thera and Agrabodi Pirivena Chief Incumbent Ven Yatawara Punnya Ratahana Thera also participated in religious ceremonies. The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics were brought to Kantale Agrabodi Viharaya yesterday at 9.15am from Anuradhapura Jayanthi Viharaya.

The Sacred Relics were handed over at Jayanthi Viharaya to Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa who accompanied the Relics to Kantale Agrabodhi Viharaya.

Prior to its journey to Kantale, the Thevava ceremony, Buddha Pooja, Shabdha Pooja and other traditional religious ceremonies were held at Jayanthi Viharaya.

The Buddha Pooja Dana consisted of 32 items. After the Thevava ceremony around 7am, the Sacred Relics were taken from Jayanthi Viharaya precincts to Kantale Agrabodhi Viharaya. A vast crow gathered to worship the Sacred Relics.

Devotees were allowed to worship the Sacred Relics at Jayanthi Viharaya until 6am yesterday. Devotees solemnly wept while the Sacred Relics were taken from Jayanthi Viharaya premises.