'The Importance of this temple is known worldwide. There are a few in Sri Lanka on the wayside, very popular and respected by all irrespective of ones race or religion. Among such Temples, Kaluthura Bhodi, Madampe’s Tanivella Great Shrine and Murugandy’s Pillaiyar Temple can be mentioned as popular one."
by V. Anandasangaree
(September 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Today’s news item in a local daily about the construction of a hotel in Murugandy upset me. The construction of the massive building in close proximity to the Hindu Temple at Murugandy, that remained a mystery during its construction, has now come to light. It is now revealed that the building is to house the Testa Bake House, not only to bake bread and allied items but also plans to make available some other facilities such as rest rooms, meals etc. It is now obvious that it is not going to be a bakery or a restaurant but a Hotel.
It is highly deplorable to start a venture of that nature at such a place that is considered to be sacred for both Hindus and Buddhists. The worst is that it is built so close to the Temple. The building is an upstair block while the temple itself is housed in a hut, according to local belief, as desired by God Pillaiyar, also known as Gana Deiyo for the Buddhists. It is very unfortunate that such a large sum of money is spent on this project without fore-thought and without the knowledge of anybody. The Department of Hindu Culture, Hindu and Buddhist organizations should take up the issue with the Government.
The Importance of this temple is known worldwide. There are a few in Sri Lanka on the wayside, very popular and respected by all irrespective of ones race or religion. Among such Temples, Kaluthura Bhodi, Madampe’s Tanivella Great Shrine and Murugandy’s Pillaiyar Temple can be mentioned as popular one.
Murugandy Temple is an ancient one. Although many had offered to build a big temple God Pillaiyar had declined to accept all such offers and prefers to be left alone in the hut. Every vehicle that passes the temple stop there for the people to make their offerings, break coconut and light camphor. Every time I pass the temple I stop there to get the blessings. Any one knowingly ignores to follow the tradition had faced may problems on the way and some had even paid with valuable lives. The large number of accidents on the A9 road where the temple is situated, could be attributed to the belief that a stop at Murugandy, is compulsory. The real risk is only when one does it knowingly. Some CTB and Private Bus Drivers earn the curse of the passengers who come prepared to make offerings and get the blessings of God Pillaiyar. I advise such drivers not to break the tradition for personal gains.
I hope the owner of the building will pardon me for pointing out this matter. There are lot of murmurings and grumblings that fall into my ears whenever I stop for the blessing of the deity.
I suggest that Government should take over this building and convert it into a pilgrims’s rest and pay sufficient compensation for the owner to put-up a new building away from the temple with strict instruction that meals served should be vegetarian and no liquor under any circumstances.
Please take immediate action to stop the opening of the hotel.
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