Esala Full Moon Poya Esala Poya Day commemorates the deliverance of the first sermon, the Dhammachakkappavattana Sutta, to the five ascetics and setting in motion the Wheel of the Dhamma at Sarnath Benares, India. It was on an Esala Full Moon poya day that princes Hemamala and Prince Dantha brought the sacred tooth relic to Sri Lanka. On this day also took place the laying of the foundation for the celebrated dagoba, the Mahastupa or the Ruwanvelisaya and also its enshrinement of relics by King Dutugemunu. Esala poya assumes prominence for yet another ritual of the Sri Lankan Buddhists. This is the annual rains retreat of the monks, “Vas”, which commences on the day following the Esala full moon It is owing to the combination of several events that the Sinhala Buddhists fittingly observe this day ceremonially by holding Esala festivals throughout the island, giving pride of place to the internationally famous Kandy Esala Perahera.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 08:04:20 +0000
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