Indelible impression made on nation :

Kapilavasthu Relics on return journey

Priyanka Kururgala

The Sacred Kapilavasthu Sacred Relics made their journey back to India yesterday amidst a host of religious ceremonies and Buddhist rites conducted by the Maha Sangha.

The Katunayake airport was packed with white clad devotees among whom were many VIPs to get one last glimpse of the casket containing the Sacred Relics before their departure to their repository at the Delhi National Museum. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was present at the Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya yesterday morning to participate in the final ceremonies of the Relics departure.

The special helicopter carrying the Relics from the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya arrived at the Katunanaye Airport at noon yesterday. The Relics were thereafter reverently conveyed to the Airport building by members of the Sangha for the final ceremonies. Roads and the environs of the airport were decorated in white for the arrival of the Relics in the area. The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics after a three week exposition in Sri Lanka that saw over 5 million devotees pay homage finally made its emotional departure to New Delhil at 2.30 pm aboard a special SriLankan Airlines flight.

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa carried the Sacred Relics to the Aircraft to the chants of the Sanga and members of the Airport’s Buddhist Association and a host of other devotees.

Ven Kiribathgoda Gnananda Thera conducted the final ceremonies prior to the Relics departure at the BIA. Around 550 Buddhist monks and Bikkhunis chanted Pirith until departure time. A mass of Buddhist flags flew in the courtyards and terminals of the airport enveloping the environment in a deep religious fervour. A dana too was held at the airport prior to the Relics’ departure.

The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics were brought to Sri Lanka by India’s Minister of Culture Kumari Selja on August 19 2012 following a request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The exposition of the Relics took place in 10 selected shrines

They are: Kapilavasthu Hall, Manel Watta Maha Viharaya, Kelaniya (19-21 August 2012); Rajamaha Viharaya, Pelmadulla (22-23 August, 2012); Jayanthi Viharaya, Anuradhapura (24-26 August 2012); Agrabodhi Viharaya, Kantale (27-28 August 2012);Naranvita Temple, Gampola (29-30 August 2012); Sri Sumangala Pirivena, Wariyapola (31 August 1 September 2012); Matara Bodhiya, Matara (2-4 September 2012); Tissamaharama Viharaya, Tissamaharama (5-7 September, 2012); Gangarama Viharaya (8-10 September 2012); and Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya (11 September 2012). A large number of devotees were assembled at the Kelani Rajamaha Vihara to witness the Relics’ departure following a special Pooja attended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Ven Asgiri Chapter Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera, Ven Napana Premasiri Thera, Acting Mahanayake of Ramanna Maha Nikaya, Ven Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Civil Aviation Priyankara Jayarathne were also present.