Matale Saiva Maha Sabai

“Menmai Kol Saiva Neethi Vilanguha Ulahamellam”

Introduction:
“Shivarathri” is one of the important religious events to the followers of Lord Shiva. This religious
event is followed in a grand scale in Thiruketheeswara temple in our country. Thousands of
devotees gather from all over the country in this temple on the Shivarathri day. Once the youths
from Matale attended this pooja in Thiruketheeswaram and they were very much impressed with it.
An idea emerged among them to have similar pooja in Sri Muthumariamman temple in Matale. To
take forward this important task they formed a society in 1954 which was named as “Saiva Maha
Sabai”.

With the permission and cooperation of the Trustees of Sri Muthumariam Thevasthanam Matale,
Saiva Maha Sabai organized Shivarathri functions in a great scale continuously for 29 years from
1954 till 1983. In addition to this festival Sabai organized various religious activities especially
inviting religious dignitaries within the country and outside to have religious speeches.

The following religious activities were carried out in addition to the above.
a) Organized and conducted religious functions and Guru Poojas.
b) Pioneers to commence religious classes in Sri Lanka. In 1960 the society started religious classes in
Matale. Initial classes started in Wariapola, Kohombiliwela, Vellaikal and in Parama Guru Swami
Madam.
c) Started publishing “Saiva Kathi” a magazine from 1962.
d) Conducted competitions among school children on religion and “Thirukkural”. Encouraged them with
certificates and awards.
e) To commemorate the silver jubilee of the society, for the benefit of the school children a “Vinayagar”
temple was built in the premises of the Hindu College, Matale and on every 12 years period
“Kumbabishegam” were done by the society.

In addition to the religious activities the sabai had not forgotten the other side of the need of the
community. Considering the above, the sabai started concentrating on the education and
community services.

Accordingly the following activities were carried out:

1. Free medical clinics in very remote plantation areas.
2. Distributed sewing machines to poor and women headed families.
3. Registering the weddings of the couples living together in plantation areas.
4. Conducting special seminars to children sitting for the Government examinations.
5. Granting scholarships to poor children for them to follow their higher studies and university
education.
6. Conducting competitions such as oratory, essay writing, debates in schools and encourage them with
awards and certificates. Through these competitions we encourage the children to improve their
inborn talents. Further we award the teachers who are responsible for children to get the awards.

Sabai has an Executive Committee which is the supreme body of the society. However
subcommittees are there to plan activities and monitor such activities. This structure works very
well.

“We are out for service” || “Our concern is to serve the community”