November 07-- Ven. Mahopadyaya Agga Maha Panditha Aluthgama Dhammananda Nayaka Thera, Senior Member, Karaka Sabha of Malwatte Chapter with the assistance of Sri Sangharaja Gunanusmarana Sangamaya, its Kantha Sangamaya and the Dayakas of Thumpone Pansala held the annual Katina Cheevara Pooja Pinkama of Malwatte Maha Viharaya at Sri Saranankara Sangharaja Commemoration Hall of Thumpane Pansala recently.
The entrance of the Malwatte Maha Vihara in Kandy, Sri Lanka | www.panoramio.com
This Pooja is unique in the Buddhist world as these Cheevarayas is kept at the same place and offered to Bhikkus of the three Viharayas which constitute Malwatte Maha Viharaya name Malwatte Viharaya, Poya-Malu Viharaya and Maha Nayaka Nila Aramaya.
A view of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Sacred Temple of Buddha's Tooth Relic) from the Malwatte Mahavihara | wikipedia.org
Starting on 1944 by the Ven. Aluthgama Dhammananda Nayake Thera, this is the 70th successive Katina Cheevara Pooja Pinkama held at Malwatte Viharaya. A Sanghika Dhana for 80 Bhikkus was held and Katinayas were offered to 44 Bhikkus including the Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayake Thera and Malwatte Chapter who observed ‘Vas'.
The Sima hall of the Malwatte Maha Vihara | www.touristeye.com
Three Peraheras commenced from the following places carrying the Katina Cheevaras.
1. From the residence of Nilanthi Abeywardhana, Mahamaya Mawatha, Kandy.
2. From the residence of A. Gamage, Harankahawa, Kandanhena.
3. From Mahamaya Girl's College.
This year’s president of Sri Sangharaja Gunanusmarana Sangamaya is Old Anandian L.H. Harischandra, Treasurer being Chapa Weeraratne while its Kantha Sangamaya has Kusuma Weeraratne as its President.