Unending stream of devotees pay homage to Sacred Buddha Hair Relics

Jayasiri Munasinghe, Lalith Nanayakkara and Justin Kodikara in Weherahena, Matara

MATARA: An unending stream of devotees flocked to the Matara Weherahena Poorvarama Raja Maha Vihara on Thursday and Friday to pay homage to the Sacred Hair Relics of Buddha when it was brought in a colourful motorcade from Colombo on its way to the Kataragama Kiri Vehera premises.

The exposition which began on Thursday afternoon continued till after midnight. The exposition which began yesterday morning for the second day was expected to continue till midnight.

Thevava ceremonies were conducted with the usual pomp and pageantry including the beating of magul bera and blowing of conch shells with the participation of the Maha Sangha at various intervals during the exposition.

Although heavy rain was experienced after midnight mild and refreshing weather prevailed during exposition times for the convenience of the devotees.

At times devotees stood in queues extending for nearly three kilometres awaiting their turn to pay homage to the sacred relic.

A dansala set up at the Viharaya grounds on the instructions of Matara SSP B.P.B. Ayupala provided refreshments to the devotees, while groups of private and State sector employees assisted in the arrangements and student groups provided first aid services.

The Vihara grounds and its environments were colourfully decorated to suit the occasion. Special bus services were in operation to cater to the crowds visiting to pay homage while security were in place to ensure law and order.

Poorvarama Viharadhipathi Ven. Kegalle Ratanasara Thera delivering an anusasana at the opening of the exposition yesterday said rare religious events of this nature proved that the country was under a righteous administration which counted on the blessings of the triple gem.

If not for President Mahinda Rajapaksa an exposition of Sacred Relics of this nature which kindled religious fervour would not have been held specially in the Southern Province.

Therefore, it was a day of special significance not only to Ruhuna but people throughout the country.

The opportunity people have got to pay homage to the Sacred Relics of the Buddha was a lifetime experience almost similar to paying homage to the Buddha himself.

Ven. Ratanasara Thera said the people while being thankful to the President for giving this opportunity should also rally round him and assist his sincere endeavour of ushering lasting peace and rebulding the nation.

Ven. Ratanasara Thera also thanked Ministers Dullas Alahapperuma and Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena for all assistance rendered in making this event a success. Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera of the Gangaramaya also delivered a brief Anusasana.