The sacred ‘Abishekam’ Pooja of Hindu tradition, held at Sri Ponnambalam Vaneshwarar Kovil, Colombo 13 on Wednesday (30) afternoon invoked blessings on the forthcoming 66th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army and the Army Day (Oct 10).
The ‘Abishekam’ Pooja ceremony, organized by Sri Lanka Army Hindu Association, symbolically blessed the Army Flag after taking it into the inner chamber of the Kovil, amidst religious rites and rituals. Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest in the religious ceremony handed over the Army flag to the clergy for blessings.
The chief priest (Kurukkal) in accordance with Hindu traditions bestowed blessings on the Army and the Pooja was subsequently performed by a nine-member team of Hindu priests.
In symbolic recognition of the temple’s long service to the Hindu community and the Army, the Chief Guest on behalf of the entire organization, made a monetary donation towards the Kovil Development Fund.
This special ceremony of Hindu religious rites and rituals was coordinated by the Army Hindu Association, in consultation with the Chief Priest, Kannan Kurukkal at this ancient temple. Major General Jagath Dias, Chief of Staff, Major General E.M.M Ambanpola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Adjutant General, Major General R. Rathnasingham, Chairman, Army Hindu Association, Major General Mahesh Senanayake, Military Secretary, and several senior officers also joined the prayer sessions.
The multi religious ceremonies that precede the Army Day and the commemoration of the 66th Anniversary began on Monday (28) at the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy with offering of Gilanpasa, alms to members of the Maha Sangha, Pirith chanting and the invocation of blessings symbolically on all the Army flags.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
