“Senthooram” is being appiled to Sri Baktha Hanuman. “Senthooram” symbolises victory. “Senthooram” is only offered at Hanuman temples

It was another special day at Sri Baktha Hanuman temple in Ramboda. The day was a full moon day in the month of October; freezing cold early in the morning, free of all the rays of the sun that are fully spreaded only after mid morning.

And there is spiritual looking Veerappa Chandrabose-busy running up and down the hill to bring flowers, silk, and other items for decoration at the temple, since daybreak. He has already begun to dress and decorate a brass statue of Sri Baktha Hanuman. He was willing to talk while working.

Veerappa Chandrabose (25), who hails from Pussallawa, began his career as a garland maker ten years ago. He has been making garlands for the Sri Baktha Hanuman temple ever since its inception in 1999.

Verappa Chandrabose says “Hanuman safeguards whoever believes him. I have total trust on him. I have a lot of problems in my life. But I surrender everything to him to look after”.

He gets flowers from Mathampai and Kurunegala to make garlands. Different coloured wool is also used with flowers to make garlands for special occasions. He is energetic and enthusiastic to be more creative. He gets delighted when the devotees praise him about the stunning styles in garland making. His acknowledgment would be a simple smile.

Apart from making garlands and undertaking decorations of statues at temple. He makes garlands for weddings and age attaining ceremonies. He used to travel to Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Colombo to decorate temples for festivals. But due to the current situation he does not travel to North and East. And also he owns a small shop at the foot of the mountain, which sells religious items such as idols, holy threads and garlands.