• It has been held every year since 2004
• The Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja had given international recognition to the Thanthirimale historic temple

By Athula Bandara   

 Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja for the illumination of the historic Thanthirimale sacred area commenced on Poson full moon Poya Day on June 24, for the 18th time, to mark the advent of Ven. Arahat Mahinda Thera who introduced Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Aloka Pooja was declared open by  Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Chairman Ranjith Wijewardene. A Bodhi Pooja and chanting of Seth Pirith at the Astapala Bodhi also took place.   

The Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja in the Thanthirimale sacred area has been held every year since 2004. However, it was held this year giving priority to the religious observances with the participation of a limited crowd adhering to health precautions, in view of the pandemic.   

Addressing the ceremony Chief Incumbent of Thanthirimale Rajamaha Vihara and Deputy Sanghanayake of the Northern and Eastern provinces Ven Thanthirimale Chandarathana Thera said the Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja had given international recognition to the Thanthirimale historic temple. The Thera said Ven. Therani Sanghamitta who had brought the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi from India in procession had broken journey for the night in Thanthirimale sacrecd area which was later developed as a place of worship under the royal patronage.   
“However, the sacred area which had been left to the mercy of the jungle for about a century was restored by the former Chief Incumbent of the temple and the surrounding area was developed as a human habitat. In 2004 the Wijeya Newpapers Ltd, inaugurated the Aloka Pooja that attracted the local and international attention on the historic sacred city. The security forces and the police provided protection to the temple during the military conflicts,” he said.   

Ven. Chandrarathana Thera expressed his gratitude to Wijeya Newspapers Ltd and its Chairman Ranjith Wijewardene and invoked the blessings of the triple gems.