Commentary on the Verses for the Veneration of the Sixteen Sacred Sites

The explanation of the verses intended for the veneration of the sixteen great sacred sites Solasa Mahasthana the sixteen major sites of Buddhist pilgrimage is as follows. It is mentioned here in this manner. First is the description regarding the Mahiyangana Stupa. This site is the place where the Buddha first visited. The Dhamma discourses delivered there are also mentioned here. The manner in which the Buddha’s blessings were received for the establishment of the Sasana the Buddhist dispensation in Sri Lanka is explained here. This book clarifies the benefits anisansa meritorious rewards obtained by venerating the sixteen great sites. One must perform acts of veneration with faith and devotion.

Having stated the reasons for this, the same matter is repeated as follows. The Dhamma preached by the Blessed One is explained here. He also spoke about the great offerings made to the Stupa. He spoke until this point regarding this matter. That matter is also stated thus: May the True Dhamma Saddharma the teachings of the Buddha of the Omniscient One last forever. May blessings be bestowed upon all beings in the world.

Perfectly Enlightened One Samma Sambuddha the Buddha who is self-awakened. What is mentioned here concerns the remaining sites. The Anuradhapura Mahavihara and other sacred sites are also described here. May all who listen to the True Dhamma attain Nirvana. May the merit gained from writing this Dhamma book be shared with all beings.

Verses intended for the proper performance of veneration are included here. These activities must be carried out according to the traditions and procedures handed down from the past. The meritorious acts performed by laymen and laywomen for the advancement of the Buddha Sasana are described here.

To describe the rewards anisansa meritorious rewards obtained for offerings made in this manner, it is stated again thus. There is also an explanation here regarding the meritorious acts that lead to rebirth in heavenly realms. The path of Dhamma that should be followed by monks is also mentioned here.

Finally, the aspiration made in concluding this book is as follows. May everyone find relief in Nirvana. --- The time was told. ---