Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Embarking on a journey filled with spiritual significance, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, esteemed Global Peace Ambassador, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, and renowned Spiritual Leader, arrived in Sri Lanka alongside his 160 devotees. Marking the commencement of his three-day spiritual journey, he embarked his visit brimming with spiritual significance and communal enrichment. Scheduled from May 18th to 20th, Gurudev’s travel plan included a diverse array of engagements, notably his participation in ‘Ekamuthuva: An Evening of Music, Meditation, and Wisdom’ scheduled at Taj Samudra on May 19th, the Seetha Amman temple consecration ceremony, and his visit to Trincomalee. These events promised to be a convergence of spiritual enrichment and cultural celebration, encapsulating the essence of Gurudev’s teachings and humanitarian endeavors.
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Welcoming the esteemed Global Peace Ambassador and Spiritual Luminary upon his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake were the President of the Commonwealth Union, former British MP and MEP of the European Parliament and now Presidential Envoy of Sri Lanka, Honorable Niranjan Deva Aditya, and State Minister of Defense, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon. Accompanying the State Minister were the Governor of Eastern Province, Senthil Thondaman, MPs Jayantha Weerasinghe and Yadamini Gunawardena, as well as other prominent figures from the Art of Living Foundation, amplifying the significance of Gurudev’s visit on a governmental level.
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Heralded as an Indian yoga guru and a global advocate for peace and humanitarian efforts, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a multifaceted personality, revered for his contributions as a humanitarian and peace envoy. Recognized as the founder of ‘Transcendental Meditation,’ his influence transcends geographical boundaries, resonating with individuals worldwide. Gurudev’s Sri Lanka visit was meticulously planned by the Art of Living’s in-house travel agency, Sumeru Travels. Facilitating seamless air travel between Sri Lanka and Karnataka, SriLankan Airlines collaborated closely with Sumeru Travels, underscoring the significance of fostering bilateral relations and cultural exchange.
Accordingly, Gurudev’s presence in Sri Lanka serves as an impressive testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual linkages shared between Sri Lanka and India. Additionally, by strengthening the longstanding bond between the two nations, his visit also epitomizes the mutual reverence and goodwill that permeate their shared history. During his visit, Gurudev met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees on May 18th. During the discussions, Gurudev expressed his foundation’s intent to establish free educational centers in Sri Lanka for youth skill development and conveyed interest in founding an Ayurvedic research institution. With the foundation already establishing orphanages in Batticaloa and Wellawaya, Gurudev’s commitment to social welfare and empowerment was further underscored.
One of the momentous occasions that Gurudev attended was the grand consecration ceremony of the Seetha Amman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya on Sunday, May 19th. He graced the ceremonial event alongside several dignitaries and devotees. This historical ceremony, symbolizing the revitalization of the temple’s sanctity, garnered widespread participation and fervent devotion. Embracing its significance, offerings from Ayodhya and Nepal graced the ceremony, enriching the spiritual ambiance with their sacred essence. Additionally, dignitaries including Indian MP V. Radhakrishnan, Chairman of the Seetha Amman Kovil Board of Trustees Dinesh Chandra Ji, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Administrative Council in Ayodhya, and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar offered the sacred gifts to the temple.
Commencing with the consecration of the temple tower, the ceremony culminated in the anointing of idols in the midst of the collective reverence of devotees from across the globe. The event exemplified the enduring cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, fostering an atmosphere of spiritual unity and communal harmony. Presiding over the consecration of the new idol of Mother Sita and the Kumbhabhishekam of the Seetha Amman Temple, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s presence amplified the sanctity of the ceremony. As gifts, including dresses, Gopura Kalash, holy water, and Thirupathi ladoo, from Ayodhya, Janakpur, and Kishkinda, the birthplaces of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman, respectively, graced the occasion, devotees gathered to immerse themselves in the spiritual energy.
Prior to the consecration ceremony, the Rath Yatra of Holy Saryu Water, drawn from Ayodhya’s revered Saryu River, which was sent from Ayodhya for the Seetha Amman, commenced in Colombo. The yathra was inaugurated by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, who presided over the auspicious commencement of the journey to the Seetha Amman Temple. As the sacred water embarked on its voyage, it carried with it the collective prayers and aspirations of devotees for universal prosperity and spiritual well-being. Located in the midst of the picturesque landscapes of Nuwara Eliya, the Seetha Amman Kovil stands as a beacon of spiritual solace, offering respite and rejuvenation to devotees from far and wide.
Gurudev’s presence at the Kumbabishekam event in Seetha Amman Temple and his subsequent engagements in Trincomalee underscored his commitment to communal enrichment and spiritual upliftment, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. In the subsequent event, 12 skill development centers established by The Art of Living across the country were inaugurated, empowering youth with essential skills for employment readiness. Additionally, Gurudev also virtually inaugurated The Art of Living Center in Wattala, furthering the organization’s mission of societal upliftment and holistic well-being.
Furthermore, the Art of Living Foundation’s tireless efforts in Sri Lanka reflect Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s overarching vision of creating a stress-free, violence-free, and harmonious society, enriching lives and communities through its diverse array of programs and initiatives. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s illustrious legacy as a humanitarian, spiritual luminary, and ambassador of peace transcends geographical boundaries, inspiring millions worldwide with his vision of a harmonious and compassionate society. A beacon of hope and compassion, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s transformative vision continues to inspire individuals worldwide, catalyzing a global movement for peace, harmony, and societal well-being.
