Navy assists conduct of Katina Pinkama Ceremony of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya on successful note
The annual Katina Pinkama ceremony of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, on the island of Nainativu in Jaffna, was successfully held with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Navy on 10th and 11th October 2022.
At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne the Northern Naval Command facilitated the conduct of Katina Pinkama ceremony under the supervision of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon, seeking the wise counsel of the Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake for Northern Province, Most Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa Thero. The spiritual event was attended by Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera.
Meanwhile, on 10th October Katina Robe (Cheewara) was carried in a colourful procession, organized by the Northern Naval Command. Commencing from the Naval Detachment of Nainativu, the procession marched along the streets of the isle, amidst Pirith Chanting, for people to pay their homage, before it returned to the Naval Detachment. On the same evening religious rituals associated with the ceremony were performed at the Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya.
The following morning (11th October) Katina Robe was brought to Nagadeepa Viharaya with pious sentiments and conducted Katina Cheewara Puja. The Navy has made arrangements to offer morning alms and ‘Pirikara’ to 25 members of Ven. Maha Sangha and also provided lunch to the community of the Nainativu Island that afternoon.
Moreover, a statue, which depicts the self-mortification (Dushkara Kriya) stage of Lord Buddha was opened by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon on 11th October. Foundation stone for the proposed replica of Aukana Buddha statue at the temple premises was also laid on this occasion.
Former Commanders of the Navy, Admiral Daya Sandagiri and Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, senior officers and sailors from the Northern Naval Command and a group of devotees were also present on this occasion.
