The Asgiri Chapter has formally assumed responsibility for the annual Theva duties at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, taking over from the Malwathu Chapter in a ceremonial handover that marks a continuation of centuries-old tradition.
Religious officials gathered at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on the 30th for the formal transfer of annual Theva duties from the Malwathu Chapter to the Asgiri Chapter. The ceremonial event brought together the Chief Prelate of the Malwattu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Maha Nayaka Thero, the Chief Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thero, and Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
The handover represents a longstanding practice dating back centuries, in which custodianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic is divided between the two chapters. The responsibility for performing daily rituals rotates annually, with the transfer occurring each year on the afternoon following Esala Full Moon Poya Day. The Asgiri Chapter will now maintain these duties until the corresponding date next year.
Following the conclusion of the Esala Poya Theva rituals, senior monks and members of both chapters conducted a formal inventory inspection of all offerings and ceremonial items used during the religious observances. The inspection was carried out under the supervision of newly appointed incumbent monks and the Diyawadana Nilame, ensuring proper documentation and continuity of the sacred responsibilities.
