The Dream That Came True
“To reminisce on the thought that all of these have occurred owing to the devout concept that arose in my mind, indeed gives immense pleasure.”
— Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero
The Pilgrimage & The Tipitaka
In October of 2003 we went on a pilgrimage to India, organized by the Mahamevnawa Monastery, with a group of around five hundred devotees. While there, we were engaged in a lengthy discussion with Ven. Pelawatte Seevali Thero on the strategies to foster a Buddhist revival.
As the Vesak Full Moon Day of 2006 would mark the 2550th anniversary of Great Parinibbana, we decided it would be auspicious to conduct a ten-day chanting of the Tipitaka led by all the temples in Buddha Gaya.
I trained fifty monks of the Mahamevnawa Monastery on how to chant the Tipitaka in the Pali language. In 2006, the chanting was inaugurated in front of the Vajrasanaya. Even His Holiness Dalai Lama participated, reciting the Dhammachakkapavattana Sutta following the script given by us.
This success led to a recurring annual chanting, training over fifty monks from India and Bangladesh in the correct pronunciation of the sacred suttas, rekindling the ancient roots of the Dhamma in its birthplace.
“A brilliant design that is very unique and independent of any mansion existing...”
2600 Years of Enlightenment
In 2008, I put forward the idea that the year 2011 would mark the completion of 2600 years from the attainment of Enlightenment – 'Sambuddhathva Jayathi'. This concept was received with great appreciation and sparked a national awakening across Sri Lanka.
I was greatly elated seeing the banners everywhere. Had not I put forward this idea at Buddha Gaya, it would not have been possible to witness this awakening. Even the 'Sambuddhatwa Jayanthi Mandiraya' and various meritorious ceremonies executed by the Government were born from this devout concept.
The Royal Palace of the Buddha
I began to contemplate on what should be done to make this awakening last. A thought arose that a Vihara in the likeness of a royal palace should be erected as a tribute. Thus, the 'Siri Gautama Sambuddha Raja Maligawa' was planned.
The Architecture
The palace, over hundred feet tall, comprises two floors. In the ground floor, a marvelous statue of the Buddha seated on the Vajrasana depicts the moment of attaining omniscience. The Vajrasana emerges from a seat of elephants displaying mischievous tuskers.
The Sacred Relics
The upper story contains the 'Vedahindina Maligawa', where the sacred relics are deposited. Giant Buddhist flags fixed at the top radiate like the rays of the Buddha, creating a sanctuary for meditation and deep faith.
The completion of construction within just one year and five months makes me think that this is a beneficial outcome of the wholesome deeds performed during this Samsara. It is now open to all for the well-being of devas and humans.