Illuminating Thanthirimale

By Kelum Bandara http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/30/life/4.asp

Thanthirimale Buddhist Shrine was built during the Anuradhapura era in the 3rd century BC and is situated on a rock, 41 km away from Anuradhapura. It had been known as “Thiwakka Bamunugama” during the times of ancient kings. It is believed that Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta on her way to Anuradhapura with the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling rested here. The shrine was abandoned due to South Indian invasion during the end of the Anuradhapura period. It was renovated by the Chief Priest of the North and East Ven. Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thera in 1960.

Today is Poson Poya. Today marks the 2014th anniversary of Arahat Mahinda introducing the doctrine of Gauthama Buddha, which is of special significance to Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihare.

The ancient temple spreading over a vast area, will be illuminated with electric bulbs tonight by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd under ‘Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja’ programme (today and tomorrow) for the fourth consecutive year.

The ancient temple spreading over a vast area, will be illuminated with electric bulbs tonight by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd under ‘Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja’ programme (today and tomorrow) for the fourth consecutive year.

The staff of the company will donate uniform materials and stationery items to the Daham School children and teachers. A new pilgrim’s resthouse has also been constructed by the company.

Simultaneously, Thanthirimale will be declared by the government as a ’sacred town’ today followed by a series of religious events including a Bhakti Gee competition among Daham Schools in the area.

Besides, the North Central Province will also lay the foundation stone for a new Sangawase and a museum to be stored with artefacts excavated from the sacred site.

Chief Upathissa built Upathissagama. Anuradha’s village was named Anuradhagama after his name. These were the first settlements of this country. Vijaya’s team gradually spread their territory along Malwatuoya, the second longest river in the country, and that is how the history of Thanthirimale began. Upathissagama was close to Thanthirimale. Anuradhagama is now known as Anuradhapura, the main city in the North Central Province. In the 3rd century BC Tantirimale was known as Thiwakka Bamunugama after the local ruler Thiwakka hosted the royal procession carrying the sacred Bodhi sapling. Tonight, this historic temple will be aglow in its entirety with electric bulbs lit by the Wijeya Newspapers Ltd in addition to the mild moonlight descending from the sky. The religious serenity will be all the more enhanced by devotees fully concentrating on meritorious activities.