The Katina Chiwara Punya Festival of the historic Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya in Diyavini village, Weligepola, Ratnapura was held at that temple yesterday (14).
This sacred ground near Diyavini Falls was covered with dilapidated forest by 1942 and was made in the year 335 AD (247 AD). It is believed that Anuradhapura belongs to the early period and it is said that it was done by King Yatalatissa. Despite the many shortcomings, this year’s Katina Chiwara Punya Mahotsava was held in this thriving sacred area with the maximum contribution of the villagers.
Diyawinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharadhipathi, Hambegamuwa Maha Pirivena Parivenadhipati Master Panditha Waleboda Sri Vijitha Nandaratana Thero presided over the function with the participation of other Nayaka Theras of the area. The Chief Incumbent of the historic Kuragala, Nelligala Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Watura Kumbure Dhammaratana Thero also participated in this occasion.
Hundreds of ancient shrines have been buried over time in these areas of the city of Ruhuna, in Three Sinhala. A large number of ruined places of worship in this area are still hidden in the Udawalawe forest and with the rise of Kuragala some revival can be seen in these areas as well.
