Skip to content Skip to footer

Daily service

Sacred Pooja and Rituals for Lord Buddha

Ananda Thero was the chief personal attendant of living Lord Buddha. He had pure and endless affection and respect towards Lord Buddha. Without any ulterior motives, he dedicated his entire life being the personnel help Lord Buddha.
The sacred left canine tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is placed in the sacred Temple of Tooth in Kandy, is being blessed with poojas and rituals since it is regarded today as the living Lord Buddha. The personal attendance and traditional services dedicated to Lord Buddha carried out by Ananda thero back then, are being carried on today as Theva (daily services) which are led by the Maha Nayaka Thero of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and followed by the residing Maha Sanga of those temples.
Theva are carried out by the Maha Nayaka Thero of MalwathuAsgiri chapters or a Nayaka Thero appointed in charge of theva representing MahaNayakeTheros; these theva are carried out as annual shifts of tenures between Asgiri and Malwathu chapters. Besides the daily services (Theva), there are also weekly and annual poojas and rituals dedicated for the sacred tooth relic which are continuously carried out since ancient times to present.

Annually, the daily service (Theva) shift is changed in the day of the rainy retreat (Vassa retreat) which falls after Esala full moon Poya day, under the initiation of Mahanayaka Theros of Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters; and the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of Tooth Relic. In this occasion the Secretary Mohottala reads the inventories of the upper floor, the lower floor, the octagon (Paththirippuwa) and the hermitage of the thero who is in charge of Thevava. After the reading, the items in the inventories are shown, handed over and received again. Afterwards, those inventories are signed by the Mahanayaka Theros and the Diyawadana Nilame. Then, relevant keys are received and handed over after a brief discourse. It is considered fortunate and meritful for a thero to have the opportunity to conduct the Tevava for the sacred tooth relic. 
Early Period of Service
5.30 A.M. - 7.00 A.M.
Middle Period of Service
9.30 A.M. - 11.00 A.M.
Evening Period of Service
5.30 P.M. - 7.00 P.M.
Early Period of Service
This is called “Theva” and there are tree services. Early period of service, Middle period of service and the Evening Period of service. The Early Period of Service commences at 5.15a.m. with the beating of Hewisi drums. Everything hear is perform according a schedule those who attend to these services must wait till the care trackers open the doors. The religious services are performed by few services and the same devotion offered to Lord Buddha is offered to the Sacred Tooth Relic as well. Jasmine flowers are offered and other offerings are maid with great devotion. Removal of the offerings are also done with great devotion according to a system. Starting from Silver vessels and ending with Gold vessels. As these vessels are to be protected with respect only a Monk assigned to this task is permitted to touch them.
Middle Period of Service

Starts around 9.30.a.m and concludes at 10.30.a.m this is the daily meals offered to Lord Buddha called Buddha Pooja. Same monk who attended the early period of services perform this service.
The arrangement of his meals and offering of flowers are perform by the two Monks. Outsiders cannot witness this service.
The removal of the foods also done by the same Monk. According to schedule in the midst of Maghul Bera sounds. The doors are close after the respective official inspect everything inside.

Evening Period of Service

This starts around 6.30.p.m and goes till 7.15.p.m in the midst of Hewisi sound withered and old flowers are removed and fresh flower are offered. Tree bowls of Honey, Ginger Juice and Ghee are also offered.
At this time devotes could offer flowers in the shrine room.

Share With

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email