Unduvap Poya

Unduvap full moon Poya day is of great importance

As it brought about a social and cultural renaissance

As Buddha predicted with farsighted vision

Arahant Mahinda led the Dhamma Duta mission

He is the one who laid the foundation

For Sri Lanka to be the citadel of civilisation

Thousands embraced Buddhism and entered Bhikkhu order

Putting King, Court and Country in order

Queen Anula with five hundred appealed to Thera for ordination

It was against this backdrop Sangamitta got the invitation

Bo sapling was welcomed by the royalty

With great pomp and ceremony to its greater glory

In Mahamewuna with due ceremonial it was planted on earth

On the spot where it now stands with immense faith

People from far and wide had come to pay homage

To this sacred gift which formed the island’s heritage

Along with Theri people of 18 casts were here

Safeguard the Bo tree and to attend to the work in every sphere

This skilled labour had a tremendous impact

On the social strata and economic development

The construction of temples, stupas bear witness to creativity

That flourished during the era and also prosperity

A remarkable feature of this special occasion

Was the participation of rulers of other denominations

It was nothing but the Rulers unity and harmony

In showing their loyalty during the ceremony

The introduction of ordination was the other major event

To women for paving the way for spiritual attainment

The setting up of the first “Bhikkhuni Aramaya”

Was another milestone on this Poya day

Sri Maha Bodhi and Meheni-Sasna led to Lanka’s victory

Turning a new chapter in Sasanic history

Rupa Banduwardena