What Is Unduvap Poya?
Unduvap Poya is an important public holiday observed in Sri Lanka, holding significant cultural and religious importance for the country’s Buddhist population. It is one of the twelve or thirteen Poya days celebrated annually, each corresponding to a full moon and commemorating a key event in Buddhist history. On this day, adherents remember historical milestones related to the propagation of Buddhism on the island.
The day specifically commemorates two pivotal events: the arrival of the sapling from the sacred Bodhi tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi) in Anuradhapura, and the establishment of the Bhikkhuni (female monastic) Order in Sri Lanka. Both these events are attributed to Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka of India, who travelled to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE. Her arrival marked a critical phase in the development of Buddhism in the region.
History and Origins of Unduvap Poya
The historical origins of Unduvap Poya are rooted in the early transmission of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Following the arrival of Mahinda Thera, Emperor Ashoka’s son, who introduced Buddhism to the island in the 3rd century BCE, King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura requested a sapling from the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. This request aimed to provide a living relic for the newly established Buddhist community.
In response, Emperor Ashoka dispatched his daughter, Sanghamitta Theri, who was also an enlightened nun, to Sri Lanka. She arrived at the port of Dambakolapatuna (present-day Sampur) on the full moon day of the Unduvap month, bringing with her the sacred Bodhi sapling. This sapling was then planted in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura, where it grew into the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Furthermore, Sanghamitta Theri’s arrival also facilitated the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Order for women in Sri Lanka, allowing them to fully participate in monastic life.
How Unduvap Poya Is Celebrated
Unduvap Poya is primarily observed by Buddhists in Sri Lanka through various religious and cultural practices. As with other Poya days, it is a public holiday, allowing people to engage in devotional activities. Observances typically include visiting local temples (Viharas) for worship and meditation.
Devotees often make offerings of flowers, incense, and oil lamps to Buddha statues and stupas. Many Buddhists observe Dasa Sil (the ten precepts) for the day, which involves refraining from specific actions such as killing, stealing, and engaging in sensual misconduct. Some individuals choose to wear white clothing as a symbol of purity and commitment to these precepts. At the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, special ceremonies and offerings are often conducted to honour the sacred tree and the legacy of Sanghamitta Theri.
When Is Unduvap Poya?
Unduvap Poya is a moveable feast, as its date is determined by the lunar calendar. It falls on the full moon day of the Unduvap month in the Theravada Buddhist calendar. This typically corresponds to a day in the Gregorian month of December each year.
All Poya days in Sri Lanka are celebrated on the full moon, making each one a public holiday. The exact Gregorian date for Unduvap Poya shifts annually due to the differences between the lunar and solar calendar systems.
Unduvap Poya Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public Holiday / Religious Observance |
| Date | Variable (Full Moon of Unduvap month, typically December) |
| Countries | 1 (Sri Lanka) |
| Also known as | Sanghamitta Day |
| Calendar system | Theravada Buddhist Calendar (Lunar) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Poya" mean in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, "Poya" refers to the full moon day, which is a significant day for Buddhist observance. Each Poya day is named after the corresponding lunar month and often commemorates a specific event in Buddhist history.
Why is Unduvap Poya important?
Unduvap Poya is important for two main historical events in Sri Lankan Buddhism. It marks the arrival of the sapling from the sacred Bodhi tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi) in Anuradhapura and the establishment of the Bhikkhuni (female monastic) Order in Sri Lanka, both facilitated by Sanghamitta Theri.
How is Unduvap Poya observed?
On Unduvap Poya, Buddhists in Sri Lanka typically engage in religious activities such as visiting temples, making offerings, meditating, and observing Dasa Sil (the ten precepts). Special observances may also take place at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.