Today is Unduvap Poya

Unduvap is the last full moon Poya day according to the Sinhala Buddhist calendar. This years
Unduvap Poya falls on Monday 20
th
December.
The unique event of bringing the Bo-sapling of the sacred Jayasiri Maha Bodhi from India to
Anuradhapura, took place 2552 years ago on an Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day.
The advent of Buddhism to this resplendent island Sri Lanka, on Poson Full Moon Poya Day,
marked the dawn of a new social order, cultural and spiritual revolution. During the reign of
Devanampiyatissa (250-210 B.C) Arahat Mahinda, brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Mahinda
Thera, the son of the great Emperor Asoka, was totally responsible in bringing Buddhism to Sri
Lanka. Later, it was Arahat Mahinda Theras sister, young beautiful, charming Sangamitta, who
entered the Bhikkuni Sasana at the age of 18 years, who visited Sri Lanka, was responsible for
the establishment of Bhikkuni Sasanaya or Buddhist order for womanhood, in Sri Lanka.
This brother sister combination, made a great political, social, cultural, economic and religious
renaissance in Sri Lanka. No foreigner has created such a cultural and spiritual impact in a
country than Emperor Asokas son, Arhat Mahinda and his daughter Bhikkuni Sangamitta.
Therefore, we, Sri Lankans are indebated to them.
As the Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day dawns, our thoughts and sentiments are woven round the
pious and noble Sangamitta Theri. She was like an evening star among the Buddhist
Womanhood. The arrival on Uduvap Full Moon Poya Day, along with the Sacred Bo-sapling,
under which our blessed one, the enlightened one, attained the supreme bliss of Buddhahood.
This is an event of supreme importance in the annals of Buddhist history. This is second only to
the arrival of her brother, Arahat Mahinda to Missakapabata or Mihintale, on the historic Poson
Poya Day.
After entering the Order, Sangamitta residing in the capital city Pataliputra, when Kind
Devanampiyatissa, cordially invited her to Sri Lanka to promote Buddhism in Sri Lanka among
the womanhood.
Queen Anula and her companions were keen to enter the Buddhist order. Arahat Mahinda,
informed the Royalty that it was not possible. Acting on the advise of Arahat Mahinda, the King
Devanampiyatissa, send, I presume, his Foreign Minister Aritta, to meet Emperor Asoka, and
through his good office, to persuade his daughter Sangamitta Theri to come to Sri Lanka and
established Bhikkuni Sasanaya. (The order of the nuns).
Sangamitta Theri, after seven days of sea journey, accompanied by eleven other Bhikkunis
(Buddhist nuns) arrived at the Jambukole Port in the North. She brought along with her, one of
the greatest gifts that India could provide, to Sri Lanka, Jayasiri Maha Bo-Tree Sapling, to be
planted in Sri Lanka soil. Jayasiri Maha Bo Tree is supposed to one of the oldest trees in the
world, where the great Gautama Buddha attained the enlightenment.
According to Mahavamsa, the King Devanampiyatissa, with all pomp and glory and glamour,
paying the highest respect and honour, wading neck deep into the sea, received the bowl
containing the Jayasiri Maha Bodhi Sapling, which is respected and honoured as the living
Gautama Buddha.
This Bo-Sapling was planted in the Mahamevuna Uyana, the headquarters of Buddhism in
ancient Sri Lanka. This event symbolises that Buddhism took deep root throughout the length
and breadth of Sri Lanka. Later, there were many saplings planted in Sri Lanka, from the main
Jayasirimaha Bo-Tree. A disciplined system of worshipping, rituals connected to this great
religion began. Today, the Buddhists all over the world, consider the Jayasiri Maha Bodhiya at
Anuradhapura and the Dalada Maligawa, the Tooth Relic Chamber in the Hill Capital Kandy, as
two important places of worship.
The second most important mission or the purpose of Sangamittas arrival, was the establishment
of Bhikkuni Sasanaya or order of the Buddhist nuns. Queen Anula, was the first to be ordained.
Later thousands of ladies from all walks of life entered the Buddhist order as Bhikkunis.
The advent of Arahat Mahinda on Poson Full Moon Day marked men entering the Buddhist
order, as Bhikkus and the arrival of Sangamitta signalled the establishment of Bhikkuni Sasanaya
of females. Therefore, Uduvap Full Moon can be considered as the beginning of a new chapter in
the history of Buddhism, and Sri Lankan womanhood. It paved way to a disciplined and a
peaceful civil society. The Buddhist learning, art and architecture, construction of gigantic stupas
and tanks began. The agricultural economy flourished. It was the duty of all Buddhist to pay
homage to the Great Mahapurisha Gautama Buddha, Dhamma, Sanga, the Noble Triple Gem
become the order of the day, before the commencement of any auspicious Buddhist activity
which we follow up to date.
They recite Vandana Gathas, took refuge in the Triple Gem (Tisarana). The mark of respect of
the great Virtues and Wisdom of the Buddha helped the Buddhists to gain confidence, and
inspiration in their day to day life.
The Buddha was the holiest, most virtuous, wisest and spiritually perfect personality, who had
ever lived. His Dhamma is the ultimate truth about universe, which explains the real nature of the
world and of life as well.
The Sangha refers to all disciples of the Buddha who attained sainthood. Everyone must have
some guidance for his spiritual development. One must never give up ones right to think freely,
intelligently, and respectfully in response to whatever is taught in the name of the religion.
On Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day, the centre of Buddhist attraction will be Anuradhapura and
Mihintale.
The city of Anuradhapura, nestling in the banks of Malwatu Oya was founded in the 4th century.
It is believed that the Sinhala culture and civilization in this country began at Mihintale during
the reign of Devanampiyatissa. (250-210 BC)
On Unduvap Full Poya Day, there will be many thousand who will be engaged in Buddhist
religions activities Dana, Seela, Bhavana in the vicinity of Jayasirimaha Bodhi and in various
temples throughout the country.
Devotees flock to pay homage to the Bodhi very specially on the Full Moon Day of Unduvap,
(December) in Anuradhapura, as it was on Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day, Sangamitta Theri,
brought the Sacred Bodhi to Sri Lanka from India.
As true Buddhists let us follow the Pancha-Sila, on the Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day and
abstain from destroying living beings, taking things not given, abstain from sexual misconduct
and false speech, abstain from taking anything that causes intoxication or heedlessness.
Every Buddhist should observe these Five Precepts in order to elevate himself morally and
spiritually.