For the first time after 2213 years, a Katina Chiwara ceremony was held at the ancient Rajamaha Viharaya in the historic Tenwatta Ashtapala Bo-tree in the village of Handagiriya, Weligepola in the Ratnapura District.More than 60 members of the Maha Sangha were present at the occasion.
This solemn ceremony was held today (11) in a beautiful pavilion built on a time basis.
Also, Ven. Galaha Dhammajothi Thero, the Sanghanayake of the Handagiriya Shrine, says that according to archeological excavations, the Sacred Tooth Relic was safely deposited in the Handagiriya Shrine for 53 years to protect it during the Portuguese invasion.
At that time there were checkpoints at Pollamura, Imbulamura, Molamura etc. for the protection of this Tooth Relic and it is a special feature that these areas are still known by that name.
Eight octopus Bo-trees were planted in this Lak Derana and one of the eight octopus Bo-trees can be seen planted in the Handagiriya sacred area.Also, a large stone Bodhi wall was built around this Bo tree and the remnants of it can still be seen today.
The finest moonstone of the Anuradhapura period is also located in this sacred area and we can see the ruins of many other fragrant creations such as Korawakgala in this area.It is also clear that many of these ruins have been vandalized by treasure hunters.
The Venerable Thero who resides in this sacred area also states that there is not even a toilet for a monk to stay in the temple.Anyone who goes to that place can see it with their own eyes
There are also ruins of various historical buildings, shrines etc. in the surrounding villages and Udawalawe National Park from this area but our ancient heritage which is centuries old is now hidden in the jungles.
When our Hela history is on the verge of destruction like this, the suspicion of what will be left for the future generations of our country arises in our hearts when we see such opportunities.It is imperative that action be taken today to preserve the precious ruins of our own Hela history which are spread all over Sri Lanka without losing any of these ancient heritages.
In the history of this place, even English agents have come and explored and recorded their explorations, but so far no proper attention has been paid to this sacred place which is our own Buddhist heritage.
