The fixing of a new Crest Gem (Chuda Manikya) on a golden base on the top of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya will take place on November 25 and the gold-plated Pinnacle will be unveiled at an auspicious time on the following day, Anuradhapura Government Agent R.M. Wanninayaka told the Daily News recently.
Coordinating the meritorious event, he said the new Crest Gem to be replaced on the Ruwanweli Maha Seya would be exhibited on November 18, 19 and 20 at the BMICH, Colombo. He said the Chuda Manikya would be escorted to Kurunegala, Ethkanda Vihara on November 21 to be exhibited to devotees from 5 pm.
The Chuda Manikya will be escorted to Anuradhapura in a colourful motorcade and en route, the Crest Gem will be given a rousing welcome by the pinkama organisation committee near the Kala Oya main bridge, before entering the Anuradhapura District boundary. “We have made arrangements to exhibit the Chuda Manikya for three days, from November 22 to 24 having placed it in a specially-designed cubicle at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya sacred premises,” he said.
Anuradhapura Ruwanweli Chethiyaramadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathna Nayake Thera said the Pinnacle (Kotha) of the Maha Seya was 80 years old and the crystal rock or Crest Gem was partly cracked which required an immediate replacing process. The Crest Gem also showed some signs of discolouration. The Pinnacle and the Crest Gem which were 80 years old, were gifted by the Government of Myanmar.
“The renovation, restoration and rehabilitation process started based on a report submitted by foreign and local scientists, and archaeological experts. After having conducted a sophisticated inspection over the current disposition of the sacred items, we managed to find a new crystal rock suitable for the replacement of the cracked crest gem. The Viswa Parami Foundation is shouldering the task of processing the Crest Gem and the Pinnacle,” the Nayaka Thera emphasised.
After unveiling the gold-plated Pinnacle, the week-long pinkamas come to an end with an almsgiving for 1,500 Bhikkus at the Maha Seya premises.
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