Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a vibrant display of devotion and community spirit, the much-anticipated Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Avissawella, Sri Lanka, was officially inaugurated on Sunday, March 9, 2025. The event, which attracted thousands of devotees from Sri Lanka and beyond, was graced by esteemed dignitaries from India and Sri Lanka, including the founder president of the Shirdi Sai Global Foundation, Dr. C. B. Satpathy, and Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The ceremony was held at the temple’s newly constructed site in Elston Estate, Puwakpitiya, in Avissawella.
On the day of the inauguration, the sacred Prana Pratishtha ceremony was performed in the morning, with hundreds of devotees chanting “Sainam” and “Sairam” in unison, invoking the blessings of Shirdi Sai Baba. Dr. Satpathy, who has been instrumental in founding over 300 temples and charitable centers worldwide, addressed the gathered crowd during the ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized the simplicity of Sai Baba’s teachings, which do not require elaborate rituals, mantras, or intermediaries. He stated, “Anyone, regardless of caste, creed, or gender, is entitled to offer prayers. Love is the simplest mantra for devotion,” urging devotees to approach worship with an open heart and pure intentions. Gurujee also highlighted the importance of Guru Puja, not as a mere physical offering, but as an expression of devotion. He reminded the audience that family life is the greatest form of service, and seeking God does not require renouncing one’s home or responsibilities. “Respect for all spiritual leaders and deities fosters unity and harmony in worship,” he added, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of spiritual unity.
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The temple, which has been years in the making, has now become Sri Lanka’s largest spiritual landmark. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by Gurujee Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy in 2018, and since then, it has been a place of devotion and reverence. The stone-laying ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished personalities, including the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, along with other key figures such as the Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament, Shri Karu Jayasuriya, and the Leader of the Ceylon Workers Congress, Shri Arumugam Thondaman. Other prominent attendees were Shri Santosh Verma, Counsellor at the High Commission of India, and Padmasri awardee Shri Nalli Kuppusami Chetti from Chennai. The event was made even more significant with the presence of Buddhist monks and priests who performed traditional rituals as a mark of interfaith harmony. During the ceremony, Trustee Shri Ganesh Eassuwaren Deivanayagam welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Satpathy briefly discussed the essence of Sai Path, urging the trustees to expand their humanitarian work in the fields of health and education. As a gesture of goodwill, the temple trustees honored the distinguished guests, and the event concluded with a short Aarti to Shirdi Sai Baba, followed by the distribution of Anna Prasad (holy food). In addition to the inauguration ceremony, a discourse on Sai Philosophy was delivered by Dr. Satpathy earlier in the day at the Sai Nathanin Saranalayam in Kotahena, Colombo.
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The inauguration day on Sunday was filled with soulful bhajans, with renowned bhajan and ghazal singer Shri Raviraj Nasery from Mumbai, who uplifted the spirits of the devotees with his heartfelt renditions in praise of Shirdi Sai Baba. The ceremony was preceded by a series of sacred rituals, which began on Saturday, March 8, at 5 am, culminating in the consecration and formal inauguration of the temple on Sunday morning. A unique aspect of the event was the significant logistical support provided to the devotees. Breakfast, lunch, and beverages were arranged for all attendees, and free transportation was offered to devotees traveling from Colombo. Additionally, the temple volunteers led by Dr. Marudhini ensured that devotees had a comfortable experience, providing food, ample seating, tents, and digital displays for the event. Devotees were also provided with Sai Baba’s sacred uthi, shawl, ladoo, and sacred Ruthraksha. The island’s largest Shirdi Sai Baba temple, strategically located on the Colombo-Avissawella highway, is expected to become a focal point for devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba in Sri Lanka and a beacon of spiritual solace.
The completion of the temple and its adjoining ashram is a tribute to the vision of the late Mr. Eassuwaren, a devoted humanitarian who had previously contributed to the Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda and the Samadhi Buddha Statue in Rambadagalla, Kurunegala. His legacy continues to inspire the mission of the Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram, which aims to promote spiritual harmony and community welfare. The temple and ashram, once fully operational, will provide a sanctuary for spiritual reflection, selfless service, and personal growth, in line with the timeless teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba. The Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram is not only a place of worship but also a center for community service, focusing on humanitarian work, education, and health initiatives. Additionally, the generous contributions from devotees, large and small, will ensure the enhancement of the ashram’s facilities and support its programs for the welfare of the community.
Furthermore, the temple stands as a beacon of love, unity, and devotion, offering a refuge for seekers of peace, wisdom, and spiritual awakening. Rooted in the principles of faith (shraddha) and patience (saburi), the Shirdi Sai Baba Ashram will welcome all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, fostering a spirit of inclusion and universal brotherhood. For further details about the temple and its activities, devotees and interested individuals can visit the official website at [www.shiridisailanka.org](http://www.shiridisailanka.org). With the blessings of Shirdi Sai Baba, the temple in Avissawella is poised to become a significant center for spiritual and community growth in Sri Lanka.
