Bellanwila Perahera:
A display of glamour and sanctity
by Rupa BANDUWARDENA

Bellanwila Raja Maha Vihara
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Bellanwila Temple among others stands out for its exceptional
miraculous powers drawing enormous crowds daily for their salvation. One
cannot imagine where the countless number of devotees come from, whether
from the neighbouring areas or from the entire island. However, the
record crowds streaming into the sacred premises is a fact-not to doubt.
Conveniently located on the Dehiwela-Maharagama road about two
kilometers from the Colombo-Galle highway in a scenic location this
enchanting temple is among the oldest dating back to the Anuradhapura
period.

Bellanwila Perahera is one of the most glamorous cultural
events. |
The earliest available documentary source for the history of the
temple, Bodhivansa speaks of 40 places where the Bo saplings from the
original tree at Bodh Gaya were planted and Bellanwila is clearly stated
in the list leading to a definite conclusion that it is as sacred as the
one where the Buddha attained Buddhahood. When examining the history of
the temple the modern era begins with the re-discovery of the temple by
the Ven. Thengodagedara Thera after the dark ages subsequent to the
Portuguese conquest.
The traditional perahera
The temple festivals at Kataragama, Devinuwara, Bellanwila and Kandy
(being the most spectacular pageant) are almost contemporary and they
are looked upon and performed with deep veneration. These processions in
general date back to the time of ancient royalty who took upon
themselves the unique task of perfect performance with overwhelming
piety. History reveals that these were performed annually as the most
joyous sacred event for the royalty as well as the people. The perahera
at Bellanwila is one of the most sought after cultural pageants in this
part of Colombo .
Exquisite preparations
Over the years it has added to its glamour and sanctity. The annual
festival dates back to the era of Ven. Somaratana Thera 59 years ago.
Each year an improvement is noticed . This year with the dawn of peace,
harmony and tranquillity in the island under the leadership of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa who declared the Bellanwila punyabhoomy as a world
heritage site perahera is going to be more glamorous than even before
and larger crowds are expected to witness it.
The colourful festival is celebrated on a very grand scale exhibiting
very well the religious significance of the sacred event. The entire
temple premises is beautifully decorated with Buddhist flags and
illuminations. There are over million (if one is to count) multi
coloured mini bulbs encircling the Bodhiya, temple buildings and the
compound. It is a wonderful job well done by the Dayaka organisers. The
Pirith Mandapaya was constructed according to tradition, giving
prominence to conventional, religious and traditional custom.
In the specially constructed Mandapaya, pirith was chanted by the
Bhikkus to invoke blessings on the country and humanity giving a very
good message to the Buddhist world.
A week long Parithrana Desana came to a close with the Dorakada -
Asna - an interesting sacred religious feature to listen and watch. The
16-day annual religious festival started on August 2nd, will terminate
on the 16th with the almsgiving to the deities followed by the annual
Mal perahera.
Among the other events the most admirable is the new look given to
the premises in preparation for the grand event. Beautiful eye-catching
lampposts erected under architectural advice, with greenery and
illuminations are a novel feature to mark the occasion. When walking
through the main gate the solidly constructed lampposts spread to the
top where you find the statue of Ven. Bellanwila Somaratana Thera who
bravely championed the historic revival of the temple.
The well laid out garden with tiles up to the entrance on both sides
with green foliage in between adding beauty to the sacred grounds is
remarkable. The guiding star to achieve the aims and targets of the
Punyabhoomi is Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera the
intellectual genius dominated by his total commitment to improve the
sacred site, with the other resident Bhikkus and the Dayaka Sabha.
The colourful pageant
Elephant tuskers too play a major role in this eventful religious
performance. They are well fed and well cared for in the premises behind
the Chaitya long before the event. It is really amazing to see the
tusker in the worshipping pose walking into the premises while enjoying
fruits.
Their deep faith is something to be appreciated. The most colourful
cultural pageant comprising of drummers, dancers and trumpeteers parades
the streets of the neighbourhood.
Devotees clad in white walk carrying flags, lotuses, lanterns with
coys of serene Sadhu Sadhu as they go along. The other paraphernalia of
the procession include decorated items specially prepared for the
occasion.
It goes through the streets in the vicinity of the temple believe to
bless the entire area as if the Buddha the great master is bestowing
loving kindness to humanity. It is truly an unforgettable experience for
pious pilgrims who gather in thousands in the temple as well as the
wayside.
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