Nalanda Retreat Center

Purification Puja
2026-02-17 - 2026-02-18 | Nalanda Retreat Center, Meegolla Rd 97a, Matale, 21082, Sri Lanka
Purification puja for the prosperity of the Nalanda Retreat Center performed during the entire night by Kumar’s uncle, a Hindu shaman.
“Purification puja” in English refers to a Hindu ritual for cleansing the body, mind, and space, often called “Purification Ritual”, “Cleansing Puja”, or specifically the “Shuddhikaran Puja”, to remove negative energy, impurities, and establish harmony through practices like bathing, chanting mantras, and offering sacred elements before deeper worship.
Terms & Concepts:
Purification (Shuddhi): The central aim, involving physical and mental cleansing.
Cleansing/Ablution: Washing hands, feet, and sometimes drinking holy water (Achamaniyam).
Environment Purification: Using incense, lamps, and holy water (Ganga Jal) to purify the puja area.
Mental Purity: Cultivating a state free from worldly distractions to connect with the divine.
Ritual Purity: A state of being fit to approach the divine through specific actions and offerings.
Common Elements in a Purification Puja:
Personal Hygiene: Bathing and wearing clean clothes.
Water Offerings (Achamaniyam): Drinking water and washing hands/feet.
Incense & Lamps (Dhupa & Deepa): Burning incense and lighting lamps to purify the atmosphere.
Mantras & Prayers: Chanting sacred words to invoke purity and positive energies.
Symbolic Offerings: Flowers, sandalwood paste (chandan), turmeric (haldi) to the deity.
Purpose:
To prepare the worshipper and the space for deeper meditation and devotion.
According to tradition, Buddhist monks from the neighboring temple will perform
ceremonies of protection and auspiciousness for 2 consecutive days for the future of our Center.
Registration is required for these events.

Meditation Hall Inauguration Ceremonies
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-21
According to tradition, Buddhist monks from the neighboring temple will perform ceremonies of protection and auspiciousness for 2 consecutive days for the future of our Center.
Registration is required for these events.
