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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

30th September 2022 17:01:46 Hours

Hindu ‘Aashirwada’ Pooja Blesses Forthcoming Army Anniversary

The holy ‘Aashirwada’ Pooja of Hindu tradition, held on Monday afternoon (26) at Mayurapathi Sri Badrakali Amman Kovil, Colombo 6, extended its blessings on the forthcoming 73rd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army and the Army Day (Oct 10).

The ‘Aashirwada’ Pooja ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Army Hindu Association, symbolically blessed the Army Flag at first after taking it into the inner chamber of the Kovil amidst religious rites and rituals.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, attended as the Chief Guest for the occasion at the invitation of the Army Hindu Association and handed over the Army flag to the clergy for blessings as temple bells began reverberating.

A group of Hindu priests, led by Chief Kurukkal, Shivasri Udayaragava performed the ‘Pooja’ and added significance and dignity to the commemoration of the forthcoming 73rd Army Anniversary day.

The traditional ‘Aashirwada’ Pooja, comprised of the offering of fruits, ghee and garlands, etc to the deities are regarded as one of the most divine rituals in Hinduism where jasmine flowers were laid on the Army flags by the Army Chief to gain blessings.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage after the observances, respectfully made a symbolic cash gift to the temple for its development work on behalf of all serving the organization. The Chief Priest, Rev Kurukkal Shivasri Udayaragava at this ancient temple closely coordinated the day’s arrangement with Army organizers and made it a comprehensive invocation.

Major General Lal Wijethunga, Chairman of the Army Hindu Association, welcomed the day’s Chief Guest on arrival, together with several Senior Officers.

Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Officers, Members of the Army Hindu Association, and a few Other Ranks of the Hindu faith joined the prayer sessions.