Ministry of Defence  – Media Centre

•     The procession of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa and the Crest-Gem to the ancient Buddhist shrines in Kirama, Mulkirigala, Kasagala, Kataragama, Tissamaharama and Lunugamwehera.

The relics unearthed from the Deegawapiya site during the excavations and the Crest-Gem which are in exposition around the island to provide the devotees with an opportunity to pay their homage were brought to the ancient Buddhist shrines in the Ruhuna area.

The public veneration of the Sacred Omniscient Relics of Deegawapiya Stupa and the Crest-Gem commenced from Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on November 30, 2023 coinciding with Nikini full moon poya day and it has been scheduled for the 150-day-long exposition for veneration of the island-wide devotees.

‘Deegawapiya’ graced by the Lord Buddha is renowned as one of the sacred ancient religious sites among the sixteen places of worship of the Buddhist devotees and the mega Stupa was built by King Saddhatissa, by depositing precious ‘Nail Relics’ of Lord Buddha. The Deegawapiya Stupa had been damaged due to various foreign invasions in the past and therefore, restoration works of the Stupa are presently underway to bring it back to its former glory.

Arrangements have been made for the exposition of these revered articles at the Siththam Gallena Rajamaha Viharaya, Kirama from November 15 morning to 17 morning, at Mulkirigala Rajamaha Viharaya from 17 to 18 evening, at Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya from the evening on 18 to the morning on 21, at Katharagama Kiriwehera from morning on 21 to morning on 24, at Thissamaharama Viharaya from morning on 24 to morning on 27 and at Lunugamvehera Ancient Temple from morning on 27 to morning on 30. Hence, the devotees have the opportunity to support this meritorious act by making financial contributions to the restoration project while worshipping the Sacred Omniscient Relics and Crest-Gem of the Deegawapiya Stupa.

The restoration work is funded by the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna’ Fund which is generously supported by philanthropists. Your generous donations can be credited to the ‘Deegawapiya Aruna’ account at Bank of Ceylon, Taprobane Branch account number – 86860000. Further, devotees can contribute to the Deegawapiya restoration by paying Rs. 200.00 for a brick and Rs.1200.00 to complete cubic feet of the Stupa.