Special Kelani River procession to install statue of ancient king of Naga Clan at Kelaniya Temple

A statue of Maniakkitha, the ancient Naga king of Kelaniya, was specially flown in from Thailand for a special ‘Abishtawa Pooja’ held at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. The statue was transported to the temple aboard the MMBL-Pathfinder boat, the ‘Maha Naga’, in a special water procession. Departing from the MMBL-Pathfinder Group headquarters at Riverpoint, Peliyagoda, located on the banks of the Kelani River, the boat began its river journey escorted by a flotilla of five boats and a troupe of traditional drummers. Upon arrival at the banks of the temple, the statue was placed under the custodianship of the Buddhist monks.

The statue will be ceremonially placed near the relic chamber during the first part of the annual Duruthu Perahera at the temple held this year from 28-30 January. The ancient chronicles state that Maniakkika, the Naga King of Kelaniya invited Lord Buddha to Kelaniya on the eighth year after his attaining Buddhahood. Lord Buddha accepted Maniakkika’s invitation and visited Kelaniya. There the Buddha had delivered a sermon seated on a gem-studded throne which was later enshrined in the ancient Stupa. 

This project was implemented under the guidance of The Most Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakhitiya Nayaka Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. To mark the significance of this historic event and the important role of King Maniakkitha, the Ven. Nayaka Thero and the Dayake Sabhawa of the temple had commissioned the statue of the Naga king to be made in Thailand.