Sri Sumangala Pirivena Raja Maha Viharaya - Wariyapola
WARIYAPOLA: Wariyapola is virtually a legendary name due to a large number
of historical controversies connected with it. The word Wariyapola precisely
denotes airport.
According to the ancient scriptures, during the prehistoric era of King
Rawana, travel between India and Sri Lanka was done by means of a flight
called "Dandumonara" and flights were taken off or landed on the
large flat rock at Wariyapola which is the location of the present Sri Sumangala
Pirivena Raja Maha Viharaya which was also known as "Sailathalaaramaya".
This granite plateau as appearing today is spacious enough to land a medium
size aircraft of the modern times.
The Lord Buddha engaged in Pindapatha with the alms bowl
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Among the important reasons for Wariyapola to be reckoned as a historical
place. We have the fact that Wariyapola was the birthplace of the famous
Buddhist priest Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Anunayaka Thera whose abodes
were Asgiriya Viharaya of Kandy and Suduhumpola Raja Maha Viharaya during
a major part of his lifetime.
Herath Hamige Kiri Hamy brought from Wariyapola was ordained at Asgiriya
Raja Maha Viharaya of Kandy under the tutelage of Ven. Navinne Dhammadassi
Thera, the first Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter to receive Higher Ordination
from the Shiyamopali Maha Nikaya.
March 02, 1815 was the historic day when the Sinhalese of the Up-country
and the Low-country were scheduled to sign an Agreement with the British
Government to hand over the administration of the entire country to the white
imperialists at the Audience Hall of Kandy.
The Sinhalese Chieftains and the English high officials were arrayed opposite
the audience to sign the document at the auspicious time. Anyway, a hasty
while soldier hoisted the Union Jack before the scheduled auspicious hour.
Ven. Wariyapola Sumangala Thera, who was destined to become the Anunayaka
of the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya was annoyed by the indiscipline of the white
soldier.
Under severe mental strain he walked forward and pulled down the English
Flag from its hoist and the Sinhala flag to flutter in the air till the correct
auspicious time.
This gallant act of Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thera made his name go
down in history as a brave personality.
Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera's national struggle did not
stop there. As the priest in charge of the "Thevava" of the Sri
Dalada Maligawa", his mind was never distracted from his dream of passing
on the Sinhala Royal Crown to a Sinhalese.
By this time the up-country Chieftains under the leadership of Keppetipola
Nilame were consolidating forces in the Uva Province to launch the liberation
struggle of the Sinhala people.
The Venerable Wariyapola Thera took with him the Sacred Tooth Relic and
fled to Uva and handed it over to Keppetipola Nilame.
By this act, the venerable Thera intended to declare that the Sacred Tooth
Relic is now with Keppetipola Nilame and persuade the Sinhala people to make
a Sinhalese, the heir to the throne.
He again took back the Sacred Tooth Relic from Keppetipola Nilame and took
hiding in the Dambulla jungles.
He was captured by English soldiers in 1818 at the Kaikawala Checkpoint
and was brought before the Court Martial. He was tried for the offence of
robbing the Sacred Tooth Relic from the possession of the British Government
and was convicted.
He was sentenced and incarcerated in the Jaffna Prison. The series of events
relating to this incident made the name Wariyapola" a household subject
among the people.
The present Wariyapola Purana Raja Maha Viharaya has a long history dating
back to the Dutch period.
The viharaya has become famous for its paintings, wood carvings and statues.
These artifacts point to the fact that the Viharaya has received the patronage
of king Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe, the ruler of Kandy and the environs were
rich in agricultural and irrigational pursuits.
We have decided to erect a walking posture Buddha Statue, 80 feet in height
and a four storeyed cultural centre at the Purana Raja Maha Viharaya of Wariyapola
in remembrance of the service to the nation by Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Nayaka
Thera.
The foundation stone laying ceremony will take place at the temple premises
on March 01 at 03.00 p.m. under the patronage of the Maha Nayaka Theras of
the three Nikayas.
The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs. 25 million, at the
rate of Rs. 5,000 per cubic feet when both the statue and the hall are combined.
Contributions towards the project are solicited from generous philanthropists.
By Ven. Nivithigala Sumitta Thera, Lecturer, Buddhasravaka Bhikku University,
Anuradhapura
Daily Newa - 23 February 2007
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Created : November 2, 2009
Updated :
November 2, 2009
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