Thanthirimale - Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Thanthirimale is a small village which lies in thick jungle approximately 40 km away from Anuradhapura. The temple in Thanthirimale is both religiously and historically significant and still attracts thousands of pilgrims during Poson. The history of Thanthirimale is said to date back to the 6th Century BC.

References to Thanthirimale can be found in the Mahavamsa in the sections that describe the Bo (Ficus religiosa) sapling being brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The Bo tree in the temple is said to be a sapling from the sacred Bo tree in Mahamewuna Uyana.

There are five ancient Buddha statues, four of which are incomplete (6th image on the post), on the temple premises. The largest of these is the sleeping Buddha (photograph above) which has been carved out of the rock. Surprisingly, the proportions of the statue seemed to be incorrect as the legs look short when compared with the size of the upper body. This is the first time that I'd actually seen an ancient statue that was out of proportion.

The remains of an ancient library have been found on the premises. A number of rock huts and caves, which have most probably been used for meditation by monks for centuries, have also been discovered on the site.

In 1909 archeological evidence was found in a cave close to the temple which suggests that a prehistoric civilization existed in this area. The evidence included fragments of cherts, a piece of crystal and drawings, which are still visible, on the walls of a cave.

 

 

Kataragama

Kataragama is a famous spot for pilgrimage for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. This is a small town located at a distance of about 238 Km from Colombo. This city is referred as Katirkamam. Often it is also known as Katharagama.

The main shrine of Kataragama is devoted to Hindu God Skanda. He is depicted as a god with 6 faces and 12 hands. This shrine is supposed to be built during 2nd century B.C. Centering this shrine of Skanda, an annual festival is observed in month of July or August. A long procession is also taken out during celebrating this religious event.

Within the temple premises of Kataragama an Islamic mosque has been built. Besides the principal shrine of Kataragama, there are 2 more shrines in the complex. One of them is dedicated to Hindu god, Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Ganesha.

Kataragama is one of the principal pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Kiri Vehera Dagoba is situated in Kataragama. According to the Buddhist legends, it is believed that Lord Buddha met King Mahasena who ruled Kataragama during that time. Thus, Sinhalese Buddhists consider Kataragama to be sanctified by Lord Buddha’s visits. The Kiri Vehara Dagoba has been built at the spot where King Mahasena listened to the discourses of Lord Buddha.

Polonnaruwa

The second capitol of the island which dates back to the 11 century is yet another ruined city with its epic tale of agrarian civilization. The city’s irrigation structures of the large prarakrama samudra a reservoir covering 5,940 acres, clearly displays and interest the King 1st Parakramabahu  had in cultivation. Unlike Anuradhapura, the ruins of Polonnaruwa could be visited in a shorter time frame as most of the sites are situated close to each other

 

 

The Sage

A 12th century statue is said to be of King Parakramabahu 1

Lion Stone and Council

Built by King Nissanka Malla still hold the pillars where the designation of his ministers and officials has been carved on.

 Kumara Pokuna

Kumara Pokuna or Princes pond fed by the Parakrama Samudra by means of underground stone conduit is yet another example of the Kings knowledge of irrigation and planning. Kumara Pokuna is part of the castle complex of Parakramabahu. Kumara Pokuna is where the ladies of the court would have taken their evening bath.

Vatadage or circular relic house  which dates back to the 7th century is said to be the oldest monument found in Polonnaruwa.  It is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu in order to hold the tooth relic of the Buddha, or during the reign of Nissanka Malla to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Both these venerated relics would have given the structure a great significance and importance at the time.

Tuparamaya-The best preserved building found in Polonnaruwa is a image house and meditating center for monks. Found within the building are some of the finest limestone images of the Buddha

The large Gal -Pota or stone book 

Which is eight meters long and 4.25meters wide, bears the inscription of King Nissanka Malla’s invasion of India and relations he had with other countries

Gal Vihara 

comprises the finest statues of Lord Buddha carved out of one granite rock, where all minute details have been carved. One must keep in mind that during the ancient times the only tools used were - hammer and chisels.

Aukana

  “devourer of the sun” is known to be the finest statue of Lord Buddha found in the island, and was built by King Dhatusena. Located approx 32 miles southeast of Anuradhapura is this magnificent statue which dates back to the 5th century A.D. The best time of the day to view this statue is dawn. The first rays of the morning sun bring out the rich hues of the rock image and make it seem to come alive against the deep green of the trees beyond. As the sun rises higher it reveals the serenity of the exquisitely carved face: rising higher still, the sunlight picks out the gracefully carved robe, each pleat of which is a triumph of art.

Mihintale

 – know as the birth place of Buddhism to Sri Lanka which dates back to the time period of 247 B.C where the philosophy was introduced to King Devanampiyatisa by the Buddhist missionary Mahinda. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.From ancient times a large number of large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale. It is stated that King Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara and 68 caves for the bhikkhus to reside in. At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist viharas with all the dependent buildings characteristic of monasteries of that period.

 

Corals in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa coral reef is the most beautiful coral reef in Sri lanka.It  between the Main southern Highway and the Indian Ocean, 98 km. south of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the place for underwater delight. Site of the famed coral gardens; hire a glass bottomed boat or goggles and flippers and explore the fantasies under your feet. Hikkaduwa is a beach with entertaining night life and Scuba Diving.