Pilgrims throng Gangaramaya to worship Sacred Relics

Priyanka Kurugala

Tens of thousands of devotees yesterday paid homage to the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya.

The pilgrims kept streaming in from 8 am and by noon yesterday around 300,000 had worshipped the Relics, Colombo District Secretary H T Kamal Padmasiri said.

According to him between 80 to 90 persons worshipped the Relics during the short period of one minute. Devotees arrived at the Gangaramaya from two directions. According to the District Secretary all facilities are being provided to the devotees, including Dansalas, water and sanitation requirements.

The Sacred Relics were flown from the Tissamaharama Rajamaha Vihara on Saturday 8 and received by Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa at Galle Face. Thereafter the Relics were conveyed to the Gangaramaya in a Perahera. President Mahinda Rajapaksa received the Relics and placed them for worshipping at the Gangaramaya.

After religious rites and the Thewawa ceremony around 10.40 am, devotees were allowed to worship the Sacred Relics. Addressing the gathering Mahanayaka of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera said that, the presence of the Sacred Relics at Gangaramaya temple is very important.

'Thousands of devotees got the opportunity to pay their homage to the Sacred Relics. The Buddhists in Sri Lanka got this rare opportunity to worship the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics as a result of a request by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Indian Prime Minister.

Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Galaboda Gnanissara Thera said that, from September 7 thousands of devotees were streaming into worship the Sacred Relics at the Gangarama premisses.

"We are supplying every facility for devotees who are coming from many areas in the country to pay their homage to the Sacred Kapilavastu Relics. President Mahinda Rajapaksa eradicated terrorism from the country. Therefore all citizens are living in the country without fear . They have the opportunity to come and worship the Sacred Relics freely," the Thera said.

"Our President is a very honest person. Anybody who says that the Exposition of Sacred Relics is a political gimmick, they need to revise their statement. This is a great opportunity for the Sri Lankan devotees to worship the Sacred Relics, the Thera said.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe, Chief Minister of the Uva Provincial Council Shashendra Rajapaksa, and many politicians and government officers participated in the event. An Exposition of the Sacred Kapilawasthu Relics will also be held at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Vihara on September 11, and 12.