Arrival of Arhat Sangamitta Theri
Unduwap Poya day falls today:
by Samangie Wettimuny
Unduwap Full Moon Poya day which falls today marks the arrival of
Arhat Sangamitta Theri in Sri Lanka with a sapling from the southern
bough of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained
enlightenment. Undoubtedly the event bears much significance in the
country's history as it brought not only a religious renaissance to the
country, but also a cultural and social one.
 The historical arrival of Arhat Sangamitta Theri in the 3rd century
B.C. took place soon after the official introduction of Buddhism to the
country by Arhat Mahinda, the brother of Arhat Sanghamitta. Her arrival
also paved the way for the establishment of the Order of Bhikkuni (Bhikkuni
Sasana) in the country.
As the historical records reveal, King Devanampiya Tissa had ordered
his nephew Aritta to meet Emperor Asoka in India and to make
arrangements to bring a Bo Sapling from the Sri Maha Bodhi. Aritta then
agreed to undertake the tour provided he was permitted to enter the
Order on his return. Thus under the auspices of Emperor Asokha, Arhat
Sangamitta theri and retinue arrived in Dambakola Patuna port with the
Bo sapling which was placed in a golden bowl .
People of sixteen castes arrived in Sri Lanka for the protection of
the Bo tree and that made tremendous progress in the spheres such as
agriculture, architecture, monumental masonry and engineering. Also
religious and literary activities in the country directed the country in
a new path.
New cultural practices and skilled labour brought about a remarkable
change in the social and religious life of the country. Massive
constructions such as Mahavihara, Chethiyagiri, Thuparama, Isurumuni,
Vessagiri bespeak the creativity of that era.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura is today considered not only as
the oldest tree in the world , but also as the only tree in the world
which has an authentic history.
The religious customs, offerings and ritualls associated with the Bo
tree were initially practised by the various categories of people who
arrived in the country with Sanghamitta Theri. In fact each of those
rituals were performed by the people of eight villages who settled down
in Anuradhapura .
The names of these villages usually started with the word 'Vihara'.
The bathing of the Bodhi with milk, making offerings of robes and
special ceremonies were often conducted by Bhikkus and Bhikkunis.
Being ordained by Sangamitta Therani Queen Anula became the first to
enter the Order of Bhikkunis. In fact the Buddhist history reveals that
it was Queen Anula along with 500 attendant ladies who expressed her
willingness to enter the Order of Nuns.
Then King Devanampiya Tissa , at the request of Arhat Mahinda who was
of the opinion that it was not proper for him to begin that task, sent
his nephew Aritta as a messenger to Emperor Asoka.
As the mission was a success Queen Anula and the group who had
reportedly attained the first of the four stages that leads to Arhatship
(After listening to Dhamma discourses of Arhat Mahinda thero) , could
enter the Order successfully.
Gradually women from all walks of life began to enter the Order.
After working hard for the emancipation of women in the country, Arhat
Sanghamitta theri passed away at the age of 79.
In fact the entire women folk in the country should be grateful to
Arhat Sanghmitta as it was after her arrival that the women of the
country got entire freedom to engage in socio-cultural activities.
On every Unduwap Full Moon Poya day, Sri Lankan Buddhists commemorate
the great service of Arhat Sanghamitta, participating in religious
services, mainly in processions carrying a statue of Arhat Sanghamitta.
samangie@sundayobserver.lk
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