A spectacular Kul Puja was recently held at the Swayambhu Mahachaitya in Kathmandu on the auspicious day of Kārtik Shukla Purnima.
The ceremony was marked by an immense offering of 84,000 flowers and the construction of a beautiful Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma). The prayers and offerings were made with the sincere wish for peace and happiness for all sentient beings.
Key Offerings:
- 84,000 Dharma Skandhas (Buddha’s core teachings)
- 84,000 Flowers and garlands
- 84 Varieties of Food (Vyāñjana)
- 84 Aṣṭa Pariskāras (eight essential requisites for a monk)
The event also held special significance as it commemorates the Mahāparinirvāṇa (passing away) of Sāriputra Mahāsthavira, one of the chief disciples of Gautama Buddha. The head of Namuna Buddha Vihara, Sharad Bhante Shikshu, mentioned this tradition has been carried out continuously for the past six years.