Gangaramaya Temple

Sri Jinarathane Industrial College commemorates 30 years of education

Industrial and Trade Exhibition

Held on 18th, 19th and 20th of December 2009
From 4p.m to 11p.m

Exhibition of Weaponry

Recovered from the North and East by the Armed Forces and Police And Medical Exhibition by the Health Department

A Spectacular Musical Show

Held on the night of the 20th presenting local and international musical talent

Sri Jinarathana Industrial College
No 142, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo 2

A colourful look into the history of the temple…Discover what went into the creation of Gangaramaya and the life of its Chief Incumbent, ‘PodiHamuduruwo’

A temple, a legacy

The present Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, VenGalabodaGnanissaraThero has reached his 55th year since being ordained as a Buddhist monk. This book aims to give a comprehensive insight of the Gangaramaya Temple, its Chief Incumbent – “PodiHamuduruwo”, from a religious, cultural and societal standpoint to underscore its importance and relevance today.

In conjunction with the 55th anniversary of the ordination of Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, the following activities have been organized at the Gangaramaya Temple for its devotees.

Kathina Pooja: The Robe-offering Ceremony will be held at 6.00 a. m. on the October 25, 2009. 300 Venerable Monks will be offered robes and alms-bowls at this ceremony.

Religious rites in honour of the Sacred Hair Relics of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha will be held continuously for 15 days, starting on October 26 to 31 and November 1 to 8 2009. During this time special poojas and religious services will be held in honour of the Sacred Hair Relics of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha.

The Relics of the Supremely Enlightened Buddha and those of Arahat Seevali will be displayed during this time. Additionally an exhibition of Elephant Pearls and other valuable items will also be held.

This will take place at 6.30 a.m., at 10.30 a.m. and at 6.30 p.m. each day.

A selection of books including the coffee table book and biography of Podi Hamuduruwo will be launched on November 8, 2009 in commemoration of the anniversary of the ordination of Podi Hamuduruwo. Other religious ceremonies will also be held on this day.

Buddha Rashmi Puja (The National Vesak Festival) is being held from the 8th - 12th May 2009 at the Gangaramaya temple and Temple Trees to commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and Passing away of Lord Buddha. The special events are organised by the Gangaramaya Temple and the Presidential Secretariat. Events held during the past couple of days include Vesak lantern competitions and Vesak Pandols. A Bakthi Gee performance by the Sri Lanka Police will be held at today (12th May 2009).

New Year Sathi Pirith Ceremony at Gangaramaya

The Annual New Year Sathi Pirith (a week-long chanting of Buddhist prayers) of Gangaramaya took place during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season. Read more

The Story Behind a celebration of colors & lights [PDF]

Monk with a purpose - Article from Explore Sri Lanka Magazine December 08 [PDF]

Navam Perahera - The annual cultural pageant will be held on 8 & 9 February, 2009 commencing at 7 PM on both days. It is a major cultural event in the City with the participating of drummers,
dancers and elephants.

•	Meditation classes are held every Tuesday & Friday from 5 – 6 pm at the ‘seema malaka’.
•	Daily in the evening is a ‘gilampasa Buddha pooja’ offerings to the Buddha where the public can participate.
•	Katina Pinkama – The annual ceremony following the retreat of monks during the rainy season (‘vassana’) is held on November 6, 2008 at 6 AM. The ceremony is preceded by pirith on the November 5, 2008.
•	Presentation of Thai bowls to 250 monks from rural temples is an annual event and will take place on December 14, 2008.
•	The Gangarama museum comprising rare Buddhist and other artifacts is opening every day from 4.am to 8.pm
	Read more >>