Pirikara & Atapirikara: Buddhist Monk Offerings in Sri Lanka

Q: What is atapirikara?

Atapirikara means the eight requisites — a traditional set of eight essential items offered to a Buddhist monk: an alms bowl, three robes, a waist belt, a water strainer, needle and thread, and a small pouch. It is regarded as the most esteemed pirikara offering.

Q: What is the difference between pirikara and atapirikara?

Pirikara is the general term for the requisites offered to monks, which can include many items. Atapirikara is the specific traditional set of eight core requisites.

Q: When is pirikara offered to monks?

At almsgivings (dana), memorial almsgivings (mataka dana) on the seventh day, third month and annual remembrance, on Poya days, at Kathina ceremonies after the rains retreat, and at pirith and temple events.

Pirikara are the requisites offered to Buddhist monks, and the atapirikara — the “eight requisites” — is the most revered of these offerings in Sri Lanka. Whether you are preparing a dāna (almsgiving), a memorial almsgiving, or a temple offering, this guide explains what pirikara and atapirikara include, when they are offered, and how to put together or buy a complete set.

What is pirikara?

“Pirikara” (පිරිකර) refers to the practical requisites a Buddhist monk is permitted to own and use — robes, an alms bowl, and other simple necessities for daily monastic life. Offering pirikara to the Maha Sangha is a long-standing act of dāna in Sri Lanka, made to earn merit (pin) for oneself or in memory of a departed loved one.

“Atapirikara” (අටපිරිකර) means the eight requisites — a specific, traditional set considered the most esteemed pirikara offering of all.

The eight requisites (atapirikara)

The atapirikara set offered in Sri Lanka traditionally contains these eight items:

Alms bowl (paththaraya) — usually stainless steel or aluminium.
Double-layer robe (depota sivura / Sanghāti).
Upper robe (thanipota sivura / Uttarāsanga).
Inner robe (andana sivura / Antaravāsaka).
Waist belt (bandha patiya).
Water strainer / filter cloth (perahan kadaya) — so drinking water is filtered.
Needle and thread — for mending robes.
A small pouch or purse to hold the smaller items.

Some sets also include a razor. Together the eight items meet a monk’s four basic needs — robes, alms (food), shelter and health (filtered water) — which is why the atapirikara is regarded so highly.

Why the atapirikara offering carries such merit

Offering an atapirikara is counted among the Ata Maha Kusal — the eight great meritorious deeds in the Buddhist tradition. Because the gift directly supports a monk’s renunciant life of simplicity and non-attachment, it is considered one of the most meaningful forms of dāna a lay devotee can perform, whether on a joyful occasion or to transfer merit to those who have passed away.

When is pirikara offered?

Pirikara and atapirikara are offered on many occasions throughout the year:

Almsgivings (dāna) — at the home or temple, often on a Poya day.
Memorial almsgivings (mataka dāna) — the seventh-day, three-month and annual remembrances for a departed relative, often alongside funeral tributes.
Kathina ceremonies — after the rains retreat (Vas), when robes and requisites are offered to the Sangha.
Pirith and blessing ceremonies, new-temple offerings, and ordinations.

Pirikara offering ideas: what to include

Beyond the core atapirikara, devotees often add everyday requisites so the offering is complete and practical for the monk or temple. Popular additions include:

Extra robes and towels
Soap, toothbrush and basic toiletries
Slippers and an umbrella
A flask or water bottle
Dry rations and beverages for the temple
Religious items such as incense, oil lamps and a Buddhist flag

For convenience, ready-made pirikara and atapirikara sets are sold as complete packs at a range of price points, so you can offer everything in one go.

Where to buy pirikara & atapirikara online in Sri Lanka

You can order a complete pirikara or atapirikara set online and have it delivered islandwide — useful if you are arranging an almsgiving from abroad or for a temple in another town. Browse current pirikara and atapirikara sets on Kapruka for ready-assembled options and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is atapirikara?

Atapirikara means the “eight requisites” — a traditional set of eight essential items offered to a Buddhist monk: an alms bowl, three robes, a waist belt, a water strainer, needle and thread, and a small pouch. It is regarded as the most esteemed pirikara offering.

What is the difference between pirikara and atapirikara?

“Pirikara” is the general term for the requisites offered to monks, which can include many items. “Atapirikara” is the specific traditional set of eight core requisites.

What are the eight requisites in the atapirikara?

The alms bowl (paththaraya), the double-layer robe (depota sivura), the upper robe (thanipota sivura), the inner robe (andana sivura), the waist belt (bandha patiya), the water strainer (perahan kadaya), needle and thread, and a small pouch. Some sets also add a razor.

When is pirikara offered to monks?

At almsgivings (dāna), memorial almsgivings (mataka dāna) on the seventh day, third month and annual remembrance, on Poya days, at Kathina ceremonies after the rains retreat, and at pirith and temple events.

Can you buy a pirikara set online in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Ready-made pirikara and atapirikara sets can be ordered online and delivered islandwide, which is convenient for arranging an almsgiving from overseas or for a temple in another area.

What else can you offer monks besides the atapirikara?

Common additions include extra robes, towels, toiletries, slippers, an umbrella, a flask, dry rations, and religious items such as incense and oil lamps.