Shed light on thread-and-lamp tradition

I refer to Ranjan Gooneratne’s article, “Did the Buddha visit Sri Lanka” (Sunday Times, December 13, 2009). The writer quotes extensively from the Pali canon and the Sutras to rebut accounts in the Mahavamsa, our only historical record of ancient Sri Lanka.

I agree with the writer that there are inconsistencies relating to certain events that cannot be attributed to the Buddha.

However, Mr. Gooneratne did not touch on the Buddha’s visit to Sri Pada, where His footprint is worshipped, and which was visited by Alexander the Great, Ibn Batuta and many kings.

There is an ancient shloka that says the Buddha placed His foot on Sri Pada.

The Buddha ascended Sri Pada on foot, possibly via Kitulgala, the site of a famous cave. It is believed that the Buddha tore His robe at Indukatupahana, where He sewed it with needle and thread.

To this day, pilgrims perform a ritual with thread and light a lamp. Could Mr. Gooneratne throw further light on this story?

Aelian Peiris