Poson: The significance of Thanthirimale
On Poson Poya we commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka centuries
ago.
Some historians record that King Ashoka of India after his battle at Kalinga met a young Buddhist prelate and was so impressed by his tranquil demeanour, that he embraced this new doctrine. Keen to spread this to countries in the region, he sent his son to preach the new religion to his friend, King Devanampiyatissa in the adjoining kingdom of Thambapanni, as Sri Lanka was then known. It was on a Poson Poya day that Arahat Mahinda had a momentous encounter with the King at Mihintale. This is the story of Poson we celebrate today.
Religious observances at Poson were traditionally centered in Mihintale and in Anuradhapura. This year these will be held on a larger scale according to reports, since Vesak could not be observed as planned due to the problems that the country experienced recently.
In recent years Thanthirimale too has gained prominence during Poson celebrations. Thanthirimale has been known for centuries as the village honoured by Sangamitta Theri when she brought the sacred Bo sapling to the kingdom of Anuradhapura on Unduwap Poya. Theri Sangamitta was the youngest child of King Ashoka and the sister of Arahat Mahinda. She and her entourage, as well as King Devanampiyatissa had to stop for the night at Thanthirimale on their journey to Anuradhapura.
In grateful remembrance of this event the 8th shoot of this sacred Bo sapling was presented to Thanthirimale at the time as a gift.
Many pilgrims visit Thanthirimale after their religious observances in Mihintale and Anuradhapura.