Athula Dassana International Buddhist Temple commemorated the Poson Poya Day in which special religious functions were held (Sunday 10th June 2012) at the Temple’s premises. A variety of religious events were held at the temple throughout the day under the instructions of Venrable Wanduramba Kassapa, Head of the Vihara.
The programme began at 7am. The breakfast (heil danaya) was offered to the people who came to observe atasill (the eight precepts) this was prepared by Mrs Anoma, Vinishiya, Shamali. At 8am Ven Wanduramba Kassapa Thero administrated the eight precept and delivered an anusasana emphasizing the significant of Poson Poya Day. At 10am Ven Homagama Kondagngna Thero conducted a meditation session and then Venerable Wanduramba Kassapa Thero conducted the Buddha pooja followed by Dana to the Maha Sangha and the Upasaka, Upasika observed Ata-sil this was organized by Mr Balangoda Udula Luvis and the other devotees.
The evening programme began with the reciting pirith by the Upasaka and upasikas who observed ata-Sil throughout the day. Ven Homagama Kondagngna Thero delivered a Dhamma Sermon at 2pm, another Dhamma sermon was delivered by Venarable Warakapane Soratha Thero (MA, Former Principal) at 3.30pm. At 6pm Sambuduguna Pujawa (Salutation to the qualities of the Buddha) was held marking the end of an event full Poson Poya day. During this programme many other devotees attended the religious event and venerated the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha.
Meanwhile from 12 to 6 pm there was a (Dansala) a free food giving was held at the temple in a specially made hut. More than 500 people participated and enjoyed the day. Then there was a special blessing for her majesty the queen who celebrated her diamond jubilee.
A 15 feet high replica of the Mihintalaya was made in the Temple premises by Sanjaya Idunil Pathirage. This was financially supported by Vinishiya Perera and Sumith Kuruppu.
Mihinthalaya Rock situated in Anuradhapura Sri Lanka this is the place which Arahath Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa on a full moon day in the month of Poson and officially introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. A number of people including children came and visited this replica and learnt the history behind this day. The children who haven’t seen the real place in Sri Lanka were very pleased to see these decorations.
