Sunday Observer Online

Home

News Bar »

News: Relief for rain-hit areas in North and East  ...           Political: Progress of Mahinda Chinthana in plantations: Project to reduce alcohol consumption ...          Finanacial News: Nano tech now at our doorstep  ...          Sports: Cook and rain help England to force a draw ...

DateLine Sunday, 23 December 2007

Untitled-1

observer
 ONLINE


OTHER PUBLICATIONS


OTHER LINKS

Marriage Proposals
Classified
Government Gazette

Arrival of Arhat Sangamitta Theri

Unduwap Poya day falls today:

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.

[email protected]
 

EMAIL |   PRINTABLE VIEW | FEEDBACK

Gamin Gamata - Presidential Community & Welfare Service
TENDER NOTICE - WEB OFFSET NEWSPRINT - ANCL
www.srilankans.com
www.stanthonyshrinekochchikade.org
Ceylinco Banyan Villas
www.sigirilanka.com
www.news.lk
www.defence.lk
www.helpheroes.lk/
www.peaceinsrilanka.org
www.army.lk
 

| News | Editorial | Financial | Features | Political | Security | Spectrum | Impact | Sports | World | Plus | Magazine | Junior | Letters | Obituaries |

 
 

Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2007 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Comments and suggestions to : Web Editor