A special Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) was held at the Sri Mayurapathi Bhadrakali Amman Kovil in Colombo on Saturday to pray for the eternal peace, Sadgati, and Moksha of those who lost their lives in the recent devastating floods and landslides in Nepal. The Mayurapathi Bhadrakali Amman Kovil and the Embassy of Nepal in Colombo jointly organized the spiritual ceremony as an expression of solidarity and compassion for the victims and their families.
Sacred Ceremony Held at Mayurapathi Bhadrakali Amman Temple
The special Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) was conducted at 4:00 PM on October 24, 2026, at the sacred premises of the Sri Mayurapathi Bhadrakali Amman Temple in Colombo. The ceremony was conducted with prayers for the departed souls to attain peace, Sadgati, and Moksha, while also seeking blessings for those injured and affected by the natural disasters in Nepal.
The Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) was led by Vijay Kumar Raut, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Nepal to Sri Lanka, together with diplomatic staff members of the Embassy and their family members. They participated in the religious ceremony and offered prayers with folded hands in remembrance of those who tragically lost their lives in the disasters.
Diplomatic and Community Leaders Join in Solidarity
The Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) brought together a diverse gathering of ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, Sri Lankan government officials, members of the Nepali community in Sri Lanka, members of the Indian community, Sri Lankan devotees, and members of the general public. Friends of Nepal and well-wishers from different walks of life also attended the ceremony, demonstrating solidarity with Nepal during a period of national grief.
The presence of people from different communities reflected the strong bonds of friendship and cultural and spiritual solidarity between Nepal and Sri Lanka. The gathering also highlighted the shared traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism and the importance of collective prayers and compassion during times of tragedy.
Vedic Chants Mark Solemn Yaga Ceremony
The Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) hall resonated with Vedic chants and prayers throughout the ceremony, which was conducted with devotion, solemnity, and spiritual reverence. The sacred Yaga was performed by the main Pujari and other Pujaris of the Kovil, offering prayers for the departed souls and invoking divine blessings for the affected families and communities.
The Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka expressed its sincere gratitude to the temple priests for conducting the complex religious ceremony with devotion, purity and compassion. It also thanked the President, Temple Administration Board and representatives of the Mayurapathi Sri Bhadrakali Amman Kovil for their initiative, support and decision to open the sacred temple for the special ceremony dedicated to the victims of the Nepal disasters.
Embassy Expresses Gratitude to Sri Lankan Community
The Embassy also expressed appreciation to all community members and well-wishers who took the time to attend the ceremony and pray together for the victims. The Embassy described the gathering as a meaningful expression of Dharma, humanity and spiritual solidarity, saying the gesture would remain deeply cherished by the Nepali people.
The Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja) further strengthened the message of friendship between Nepal and Sri Lanka at a time of national sorrow. The Embassy emphasized that the solidarity shown in Colombo reflected the deep people-to-people relationship between the two countries and the spiritual connections shared through Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Prayers Offered for Peace and Recovery during Athma Santhi Maha Yaga Pooja (Moksha Pooja)
Reflecting on the significance of the ceremony, the Embassy highlighted the traditional belief that “Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi,” that mother and motherland are greater than heaven. The Embassy noted that the gathering in Colombo demonstrated how people across borders could come together in prayer and compassion during a time of suffering.
The Embassy expressed deep appreciation for Sri Lanka, describing it as a true friend and spiritual sister nation of Nepal. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the departed souls to attain Moksha and Sadgati, for the speedy recovery of those injured and affected, and for the blessings of Maa Mayurapathi Bhadrakali to protect Nepal and humanity from future calamities.
