Rituals

Kanchuka Pooja
(Kapruk Pooja)

A sacred offering of devotion, wrapping the Kirivehera Chaithya in reverence.

A MERITORIOUS OFFERING

Kanchuka Pooja for the Kirivehera Chaithya

Buddhist scriptures state that the offering of a ceremonial cloth to the sacred Chaitya, which houses the physical, consumer and spiritual relics of the Buddha, has been taking place since the time of the Buddha. This special offering is known as Kanchuka Puja or Kapruk Puja.

Devotees from home and abroad are showing great interest in performing the Kanchuka Pooja for the Kirivehera Chaitya. Since many devotees have been inquiring about it, we would like to mention some important points to be aware of when performing such an offering.

Kanchuka Pooja ceremony at Kirivehera Kanchuka Pooja ceremony at Kirivehera Kanchuka Pooja ceremony at Kirivehera Kanchuka Pooja ceremony at Kirivehera

Guidelines for the Kanchuka Pooja

1

It is advisable for devotees who wish to perform a Kanchuka Pooja for the King of Kirivehera to obtain prior approval from the Incumbent of the Viharaya in advance. The reason for this is that more attention has to be paid to the safety and preservation of the Kirivehera Chaitya than to the Kanchuka Pooja.

2

For the Kanchuka Pooja, 95 yards of cloth are required to wrap around the Chaitya Raja Thero. For this, robe-colored cloth or six-colored cloth should be used. Before performing the Kanchuka Pooja, the cloth used for the offering should be presented to the Kirivehera administration and approval should be obtained.

3

The necessary sound offerings and staff assistance for this puja can be obtained from the temple. Other offerings should be provided by the devotees performing the puja.

4

The work of wrapping the Kanchuka around the Chaitya should be carried out on the date and at the appointed time as per the prior approval. Please kindly keep in mind that it will be difficult to provide special arrangements or concessions to latecomers as the dates and times have been reserved for other devotees. This is because many devotees who come for the Kanchuka Puja come prepared from far away.

Please Note

Even if you arrive on the date and time reserved in advance, you will not be allowed to wrap the Kanchuka around the Chaitya on rainy days or when the surface of the Chaitya is wet. In such cases, you should kindly discuss with the temple administration and resolve the issues.

Wish to Perform the Kanchuka Pooja?

Reserve a date in advance with the temple office to perform this meritorious offering.

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