© 2023 Dr Margaret Sheppard
Some of the sponsored paintings depicting the life of Buddha decorating the Statue room
Heads of Buddha statues still covered
Unveiled. Men saw the head first and then the women
New Buddha statue
Buddha statues are very sacred. When a new one is constructed, it becomes sacred once the eyes have been painted in (or formed if a carving). Godawaya Temple consecrated a new Buddha Statue in 2005. The head was kept covered until the auspicious time for consecration. Men were the first to be allowed to see it & be present in the special house. Women came to view it afterwards. A community meal was served to all attendees. The night before there had been an all night pirit - Buddhist chants and prayers.
All members of the local community had contributed to the construction of this statue & the special meal.
In the Buddha Statue room were the new paintings illustrating the life of Buddha. Different people had sponsored these for 5000 Sri Lankan rupees each.
Head of Buddha still covered
