tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43257558308916536692024-02-07T16:46:41.864-08:00Historical Places in Sri LankaThis blog will help you find out the most important historical places in Sri Lanka and their importance, Sri lankan heritage, sri lankan civilization and more..nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-6401404168249602672012-06-26T01:13:00.001-07:002012-06-26T06:52:12.234-07:00Trincomalee, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Trincomalee, one of the finest natural deep-water harbors in
the world is located 257 km north-east of Colombo, capital city of Sri Lanka.
Trincomalee is home to fine beaches of Nilaveli, Uppaveli and off-shore Pigeon
Island. Recently Trincomalee has become popular as a Whale Watching destination
too. The Dive centers at Nilaveli, Uppaveli support the tourists to enjoy their
holidays in diving, snorkeling and swimming. Trincomalee district, called
Gokanna or Gokarna in the historical chronicles and inscriptions, being studded
with a multitude of ruins of ancient Buddhist temples, is a major Sinhalese
Buddhist cultural and archeological site of Sri Lanka. The seven hot springs at
Kanniyai located just 8km from Trincomalee attract regular crowds throughout
the year in view of the therapeutic properties of water therein varying in
temperature from one well to the other.</div>
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<b>Trincomalee, in history</b></div>
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Gokarna in Trincomalee, Mantota in Mannar and
Dambakolapattuna in Jaffna, among other sea-ports of Sri Lanka, had been great
ports of ancient Three Sinhala since 543 B.C. Trincomalee or Gokanna or Gokarna
or Siri Gonamala as the ancient sea-port town was recorded in the historical
chronicles of Sri Lanka, is the harbor where Prince Panduvasudeva, King Vijya’s
nephew sailed into Sri Lanka from Sinhapura, India. “Badda Kachchayana who
later became the queen of King Panduwasdeva (505-474 B.C.) with her party of
royal maidens too landed in Siri Gonamala harbor. She was a sister of Prince
Digha, the founder of Dighavapi.</div>
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In an essay entitled, Aryan settlements and early kings,
published in the Concise History of Ceylon by Sri Lanka’s foremost historian a
pre-eminent archeologist Dr. Senarath Paranavithana writing about the king who
ruled Ceylon (Sri Lanka) after the first king Vijaya said, “Panduvasdeva with
thirty two followers, it is said, arrived in Ceylon in the guise of mendicant
monks. They landed at the mouth of the Mahakandara River at the port of
Gokanna, the modern Trincomalee according to the commentator of the chronicle
(Mahavamsa)”.</div>
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E. T. Kannangara, in “Jaffna and the Sinhala heritage”
wrote, Trincomalee during the periods of the Sinhala kings was one of the chief
trading centers in Sri Lanka. Sri Gokarna, Siri Gokanna, Sri Gonapura, Siri
Gonamala, Gonagamaka Pattana, Gonagama-Patuna, and much earlier Gokannatitta
were some of the names attached to this place in the chronicles. The present
Sinhala name Thirikunamala is apparently a derivation from Siri Gonamala. The
conversion of the name follows the pattern that Sinhala names Somapura,
Kokavila, Mampe and Valigama Madakalapuva being converted into Sampur, Kokuvil,
Manipay, Valikamam and Mattakalapu.</div>
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The conversion of Gokarna to ‘Tirukonamalai’ first appears
in a Tamil inscription dated to 10th or 11th century A.D. Buddhist Vihara at
Gokanna called Sri Gokarna Vihara built in the reign of King Mahasen (276-303
A.C.) was the earliest religious edifice in Trincomalee. Being on a rock it was
also called Vehera Gala (Vihara on a rock). Gokanna Buddhist Vihare temple was
expanded by King Agbo V (718-724 AD) and demolished by the Portuguese to build
a fortress in the 16th century. Gokanna Vihare is one of the 74 Buddhist sites
identified at Trincomalee district by the Department of Archeology of Sri
Lanka. Swami Rock, the highest point in Fort Frederick is an ancient site where
there had been Buddhist shrines.</div>
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<b>Some of the other locations are as follows.</b></div>
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<b>Velgam Vehera Buddhist monastery</b></div>
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Velgam Vehera ancient Buddhist monastery is located 16 km
north-west of Trincomaleeoff the Trincomalee - Horowupothana road. An
inscription on a rock halfway up the hill on the summit on which are the
remains of a stupa belongs to the reign of Batiya Maharaja or King Bhatika
Tissa II (circa 149 A.D.). It records the gift of revenue from certain fields
to the Abagara Vihare (Abhagiri or Amaragiri Vihare) at Velgama by a General
named Abaya. Dr. Paranavithana was of the view that this record proved that the
name by which the shrine was known in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. It
was Dr. Paranavithana’s view that the date of the original foundation of the
vihare was no doubt considerably earlier than the reign of King Bhatika Tissa
II.</div>
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Galmetiyawa in the Kinniya AGA’s division: below the
Galmetiyawa reservoir some four miles off the 102nd mile on the Trincomalee
road. A Buddha statue sculptured in marble was found here. Although the statue
appeared to have been worn out by the action of flowing water it was
beautifully sculptured in the Amaravati style. Around the statue were the
remains of ancient buildings. Bricks and pieces of pottery were lying around.</div>
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Ancient site at Kuchchaveli: The torso of a limestone Buddha
statue was found at this site. The statue is a beautiful work in the Amaravati
style. Pieces of flat tiles and bricks were found in large quantities. It is
possible that there was a monastic establishment of the Anuradhapura period at
this site. On a boulder of rock at the foot of a hillock is a sculpture
consisting of 16 dagaba presentations. The Buddha statue was transferred to the
Archaeological Museum in Trincomalee.</div>
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Ancient site at Kantalai: (Tract 13 of Kantalai sugar farm)
At this site two broken Buddha statues were found along with guard stones.
There were also pieces of bricks and tiles. The Buddha statue depicted as seated
under the nine hooded Muchalinda Naga Raajaya (about four feet in height) has
been transferred to the Archaeological Museum in Trincomalee.</div>
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Ancient site Mahaweli river ford in Koddiyar Pattu: Here are
the remains of a structure with 42 pillars. On one of these pillars is an
inscription.</div>
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Sri Gajaba Len Vihara: On an eminence strewn with large
boulders at a site on the right bank of the Morawewa colony are several drip
ledged caves. In three of these there are Brahmi inscriptions.</div>
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Ancient site at Etabendiwewa: (on a by-road between 87th and
88th mile post on the Horowupotana—Trincomalee road).There are remains of a
dagaba built on a square terrace which has been vandalised. On each of the four
sides of the terrace is a flight of steps with plain guard stones and a
moonstone. West of the dagaba are the ruins of a building.</div>
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Ancient site Pulmodai: About 1 1/2 miles away from the
Ilmenite factory is an ancient site where there are a number of caves. In one
cave is a Brahmi inscription. Close by is a pillared building with the torso of
a Buddha statue.</div>
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Trincomalee had been home to numerous Buddhist temples and
Vihara (Monasteries) since the reign of King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC). The Hero
of the nation, King Dutugamunu is believed to have built many viharas and
monasteries at Gokanna in the second century B.C. A map prepared in 1982 by
M.H.Sirisoma, Department of Archaeology listed 276 sites of ‘archaeological
interest’ in the northern and eastern provinces.</div>
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Triyaya, Weligam Vehera and Seruwila Raja Maha Vihara and
Kuchchaveli are three living Buddhist heritage sites of the Trincomalee
district. Modern Hindu shrine named Koneswaram Kovil was erected in the
Nineteen forties.” The so called historic kovil was built only recently after
dismantling the ancient Buddhist Temple at the same place. There are people who
have seen the Buddhist temple in the forties,” Professor Nalin de Silva, 25th
July 2003.</div>
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<b>Trincomalee during Anurdhapura era and Polonnaruwa era</b></div>
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The city of Trincomalee had served as a major conduit for
Sri Lanka’s seaborne trade during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.</div>
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Captain Robert Knox, 1659 at Trincomalee</div>
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Captain Robert Knox Snr. accompanied by his son Robert Knox,
Jnr. set sail by 'Anne' in London on January 21, 1658 on a trading expedition
to East Indies under the British East India Company. After a voyage of about
one year and nine months, the crew encountered stormy Weather along the
Coromandel Coast and Bay of Bengal. With the mast broken and the sails torn,
“Anne” landed near Kottiar Bay (estuary of Mahaweli Ganga,) on November 19,
1659. The crew of the ship was invited to ashore and was taken captive on the
orders from the King Rajasinghe II of Kandy (1629-1687 A.D.) in Kandy.</div>
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<b>Trincomalee during the colonial era</b></div>
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Trincomalee’s strategic location has made it flash point
during the colonial era. Trincomalee’s long military began in 1617 when five
Danish ships sailed into Koddiyar Bay under a commander named Ove Giedde. King
Rajasinghe the second having a lively appreciation of the Port 's value,
Giedde's negotiations proved fruitless; and he sailed away, leaving one wreck
behind.</div>
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The Portuguese, already having sway in the coastal areas of
Sri Lanka, now set themselves upon capturing Trincomaleeand in 1624 completed
the construction of a fort there.</div>
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This fortlet - it had but three bastions –built by the
Portuguese in 1624, was taken by the Dutch in 1639 only to be abandoned soon
afterwards. In 1675, the fort was re-fortified and named Fort Frederick after
Frederick the Great. It is part of those walls and gate that still stand, as
the next focal point of interest in Trincomalee besides the harbor.</div>
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<b>Trincomalee and Dutch East India Company</b></div>
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E. T. Kannangara, in “Jaffna and the Sinhala heritage”
referring to more recent times says in the treaty between the Sinhala king and
the Dutch East India Company signed in 1766 A.C. Batticaloa is mentioned as
Puliyanduwa and Trincomalee as Thirikunamala in the treaty.</div>
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In 1795, a British fleet lay off Trincomalee, ostensibly
come to protect the Dutch against the French, but under secret orders to
capture Trincomalee at all events, for its growing strategic importance. The
bedevilled Dutch, unsure where loyalty-or expediency-lay, hesitated. But
Colonel James Stuart, opening a practicable breach in the walls after a
four-day bombardment, clinched the matter. And Trincomalee became - England's
first possession in Ceylon. By the British takeover in 1795, the city had
changed hands another seven times.</div>
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<b>Trincomalee harbor during the Second World War</b></div>
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The British and the Allied Powers chose it as the chief
naval base for the entire South East Asia and Far East Command during World War
11, The Japanese attack at Trincomalee's harbor in 1942 wasn’t successful in
spite of a suicide attack on the Trincomalee fuel tanks. Sri Lanka, then called
Ceylon, did not face a real threat of an invasion by the Japanese at any point
during the war.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Trincomalee</b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UFawDWOGCJ8KEo17953sxBxt8rqCaNkdOI21u_ADchbotdRAH-cD2X6QbeMlE0vLXBabAaN8YXdDNZrEjKcqPLXEunWg8KiS2tSfXhOBEk9gCRSq4F_mbO_6tDBAdy6DjDrMmk2U6k0/s1600/--sri-lanka--north-eastern--id=14742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UFawDWOGCJ8KEo17953sxBxt8rqCaNkdOI21u_ADchbotdRAH-cD2X6QbeMlE0vLXBabAaN8YXdDNZrEjKcqPLXEunWg8KiS2tSfXhOBEk9gCRSq4F_mbO_6tDBAdy6DjDrMmk2U6k0/s200/--sri-lanka--north-eastern--id=14742.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-80108867395593424172012-06-26T01:11:00.003-07:002012-06-26T06:55:22.235-07:00Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Location of Tissamaharama</b></div>
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Tissamaharama is located 270km south of Colombo.</div>
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<b>Reaching Tissamaharama</b></div>
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Tissamaharama can be reached by A2 southern main road
travelling via Galle and Hambantota.</div>
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<b>Tissmaharama Town</b></div>
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Though Tissamaharama is visited mainly in view of it being
the gateway to Yala National Park, Tissa as it is affectionately called, in its
own right, is a major cultural and nature attraction. Three ancient stupas and
two ancient irrigation reservoirs make Tisssamaharama worth touring. On the northern
side, the town is bounded by lovely expanse of paddy fields. In the middle of
the paddy fields is Santagiri or Sandagiri dagaba, the largest stupa at
Tissamaharama.</div>
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<b>History of Tissamaharama</b></div>
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Tissamaharama known by the name of Mahagama in the ancient times
was founded by Prince Mahanaga, brother of King Devanampiyatissa in the third
century BC. The settlement rose to prominence during the reign of King
Kavantissa, father of King Dutugamunu. It was during this period that
Tissmaharama’s three stupas and the two ancient irrigation reservoirs were
built. According to the chronicles, around 12,000 Arahats Buddhist monks had
lived in Tissamaharama and its surroundings during the era of King Kavantissa.</div>
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During the era in which the monasteries flourished in the
ancient Rajarata of north central plains, many a similar monasteries and dagaba
were built in Magama, the capital of the southern region of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<b>Tissa weva Reserervoir in Tissamaharama</b></div>
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Just a kilometer north of the Tissmaharama town spreads the vast
ancient irrigation reservoir called Tissa wewa. The shore of the lake nearest
to the town of Tissamaharama is regularly crowded with the villagers and the
tourists. The massive embankment that bounds the southern shore of the
reservoir is line by trees. To the east of the far end of Tissa weva reservoir
is another man-made irrigation reservoir called Debera Weva. Both reservoirs
are havens for bird life.</div>
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<b>Santagiri or Sandagiri dagaba in Tissamaharama</b></div>
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Sandagiri stupa was built by the regional ruler Prince
Mahanaga in the third century B.C. Sandagiri stupa is 55m in height and 165m in
circumference. According to the chronicles, around 12,000 Arahats have lived in
the Tissa area during the life and times of King Kavantissa who, deposited the
forehead relic of the Buddha in Sandagiri stupa.</div>
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Historical chronicles narrates that some of the various
relics and gifts sent by Emperor Asoka to King Devanmpiyatissa (250-210 BC) of
Sri Lanka were enshrined in the Sandagiri Stupa of Ruhuna. However, the first
provincial ruler to have begun the construction of sacred places of Buddhist
worship in Ruhuna was Mahanaga. Historical chronicles narrate that Buddha, in
his third visit to Sri Lanka arrived at Tissamaharama and hence the ancient
settlement is considered sixteen sacred locations of the island.</div>
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<b>Yatala dagoba in Tissamaharama</b></div>
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A short stroll along the road from the southwest corner of
Tissa weva is Yatala dagoba and further down about half a kilometer is Menik
dagoba. The small cluster of pillars located in the midway are the ruins of an
ancient monastery called Galkanunmandiya. Yatala Dagoba that has been
identified as Mani Chethiya and Yattalaya in various historical documents was
built by Prince Mahanaga in the 3rd century BC.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Tissamaharama</b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-30427050079630467022012-06-26T01:10:00.001-07:002012-06-26T06:59:20.032-07:00Tantirimale monastery, Sri Lanka.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Tantirimale is located 36 km northeast of the city of
Anuradhapura in the north central dry plains of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<b>Reaching Tantirimale</b></div>
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Tantirimale monastery can be reached by
Anuradhapura-Mahavillachchiya road: 27 km along road is Sri Wimalagnana road to
the right. Tantirimale is located another 18km onwards the turn. The motorable
road from Anuradhapura has made Tantirimale a popular place of pilgrimage among
the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<b>Tantirimale ancient monastery</b></div>
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The Tantirimale monastery is a vast panoramic site having
sprawling extensive boulders spreading over 250 acres in the midst of thick
forest covers. The climb and the walk around the caves and restored ruins is a
pleasant experience. Walking to the right and reaching the top of the rock, we
reach the Bodhi tree, one of the first eight offshoots of the original
Bo-sapling brought to Sri Lanka during the time of King Devanampiyatissa in the
third Century BC.</div>
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<b>The Dagoba</b></div>
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It is not known of an existence of a dagoba at the monastery
during the ancient time. The small modern dagoba on the summit of the largest
and highest rock at Tantirimale was built in the year 1976. Walking to the left
of the dagoba one reaches the newly-built Image house. An evening stroll round
the Tantirimale complex is a pleasant and satisfying experience.</div>
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<b>Tantirimale monastery ruins</b></div>
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The reclining Buddha statue carved on the northern slope of
the rock is 45 feet in length while the sedentary Buddha statue carved into the
rock face is 8 feet in height. Stone pillars in front of the sedentary statue
indicate that once a roof had sheltered the statue. Scattered around the site
are pillars and stones, some carved and others rough seem to lie where those
were queried. The flight of stairs, the unfinished images of deities on the
rock surface has made the archeologists believe the monastery had been
abandoned by the residents and the craftsmen in haste.</div>
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<b>Bathing pond</b></div>
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Behind the image is a dragon arch and descending from there
at a fair distance is a pond, according to the villagers, that never run dry.
Close to the bathing pond is a cluster of caves of which one had been made use
as a library. Inscriptions in Brahmi script are found at the caves. A stone
structure therein appears to be that of a building that once had been used for
rituals.</div>
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<b>Pre-historic drawings of two caves near the Tantirimale
monastery</b></div>
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The caves at Tantirimale had been inhabited prior to the
recorded history of Sri Lanka. In two of the rock caves are Paleolithic cave
paintings discovered by John Still in 1910. The discovery was published in the
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society (C.B.), vol. xxii-vol. xxix.</div>
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The first cave is 6.50 meters wide and extends up to 3.75
meters high while the second cave is 3.60 meters in width and 3.70 meters in
height. Some of the primitive drawings therein were done by Aborigines of Sri
Lanka called Veddah while the rest had been drawn by the Megalithic man during
the pre-historic period.</div>
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<b>History of Tantirimale</b></div>
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Tantirimale , a main junction on the road from Mantota (Mannar,
the former harbour to the north of the Island) to Anuradhapura, , during the
period of King Devanampiyatissa, was one of the first colonies of the Aryan
Sinhalese who arrived from East India in 543 BC. The historical chronicles of
Sri Lanka records that when the Bo-sapling was brought from India to Sri Lanka
by Buddhist nun Theri Sanghamitta, "the village of the Brahman
Tivakka" was one of the places where the foreign delegation and the local
royal group rested on their way to Anuradhapura. As a token of appreciation of
the hospitality of the Brahmin, an offshoot of the Bo-sapling was presented to
him.</div>
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Since then Tantirimale had been a Buddhist monastery for
centuries. The golden era of Tantirimale was during the 7th to 8th centuries.
Then the monastery was destroyed by the marauding Dravidian invader Kalinga
Maga from Southern India on his way from Mantota towards Anuradhapura. Judging
from the unfinished works of stone carvings at Tantirimale, it can be concluded
that all the peasants and craftsmen had fled the village and the monastery at
the invasion by the marauder.</div>
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<b>Rediscovery of Tantirimale</b></div>
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In the year of 1960, a 23-year-old Buddhist monk from the
neighboring Ulukkulama Village by the name of Kudakongaskada Vimalagnana thero
took upon himself to have the villagers from the surrounding areas settled at
Tantirimale with a view to protect and develop the sanctified pilgrimage site.
When Tantirimale was re-discovered by Ven. Kudakongaskada Vimalagnana Thera,
the reclining statue and the Samadhi statue were severely damaged by the
treasure hunters who had burrowed and mined into the ruins in search of
treasures. Although the Samadhi statue is now restored, the attempts to restore
the reclining statue since 1974 by the Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka
haven’t been satisfactory.The Bo tree exists to date at the monastery is the
most sanctified object of veneration at Tantirimale .<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Tantrimale Monastery</b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-59383041495739212012-06-26T01:09:00.000-07:002012-06-26T07:03:06.247-07:00Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura<div style="text-align: justify;">
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It is hard to believe - but there is no shadow of doubt at
all - that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on
iron crutches, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world
(2,250 years).</div>
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It has never since been without its hereditary attendants
and the care, to the very end, of the country's kings. As lately as the reign
of King Keerti Sri Rajasingha, a wall was built around the tree. In 1966 it was
enclosed in a golden railing.</div>
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The great ancient Sinhalese Buddhist monuments of
Anurdhapura are clustered around this Peepal tree (ficus religiosa) called Sri
Maha Bodhi, a sapling of the Peepal Tree at Buddha Gaya, Northern India in
whose shelter Gautama Buddha attained supreme enlightenment.</div>
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The sapling was brought to Sri Lanka by Buddhist nun
Sanghamitta, the daughter of King Asoka of India in the 3rd Century B.C. To the
north of the well protected and well adorned tree are three great monasteries:
the Mahavihara, the Abhayagiri and the Jetavana.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Sri Maha Bodhi Tree</b></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-55118369145008257562012-06-26T01:08:00.001-07:002012-06-26T07:06:21.684-07:00Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The construction of Ruwanweliseya
was prophesied by the great Buddhist missionary Maha Thera Arhath Mahinda, who
brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of King Devanampiya
Tissa (250-210 BC).</div>
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Having heard of the prophesy of
Maha Thera Mahinda to the effect that a great Stupa would be built by a great
king at a certain location at Anurdhapura, King Devanampiya Tissa had an
inscription pillar planted at the said location narrating the prophesy.</div>
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A little more than a century
later, the inscription pillar was destined to be found by a fitting hero: King
Dutugamunu (101-77 B.C.), who rescued the Sinhalese Buddhist nation from the
Dravidian invader. “The Hero of the Nation” wasted no time and commenced the
construction of Ruwanweliseya also named Maha Stupa or Ratnapali Stupa or
Swarnamali stupa.</div>
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Following the declaration of the
king that no work at the great stupa should go unrewarded, a streak of luck
dawned on the pious king: a rich vein of Silver was discovered at a village
subsequently renamed Ridigama meaning Village of Silver in Sinhala. The
construction of stupa cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages alone.</div>
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At a circumference of 370 feet
and a height of 180 feet, Ruwanweliseya, the third largest stupa of Sri Lanka,
is the focal point of the Maha Vihara, the first monastery of Sri Lanka. It is
believed a considerable amount of relics of Buddha is enshrined in this
glorious stupa, built in replicating the shape of a bubble of water. At the eastern
entrance to the stupa is a statue of King Dutugamaunu. According to the records
made by Fa Hsien, the Chinese Buddhist monk, who toured Sri Lanka in the 5th
century CE, Maha Vihara monastery housed no less than 3000 Buddhist monks.</div>
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Since the death of King
Dutugamunu, “The Hero of the Nation”, the great stupa had been renovated by a
succession of Sinhalese king till King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AC). By the
19th century, Anurdahapura, once the greatest monastic city of the world, also
named Anurogrammon, by the Greek cartographer Claudius Ptolemy (90-168 AD) was
deserted; Ruwanweliseya was in ruins.</div>
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In the year 1893, a patriotic and
pious Buddhist monk called Naranvita Sumanasara Thera supported by a community
of humble villagers in the region, took upon the Herculean task of
reconstructing the great stupa. The community resulted in forming a society
called Ratnamali Chaityawardhana Society.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Riwanweliseya</b></div>
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<b style="color: blue;"> </b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-11442752432462184312012-06-26T01:07:00.001-07:002012-06-26T06:43:41.526-07:00Ritigala Mountain, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Ritigala is located 188 km north-east of Colombo, at
Ganewalpola, near Kekirawa/Maradankadawala of north-central plains of Sri
Lanka.</div>
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<b>Reaching Ritigala Sri Lanka</b></div>
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Ritigala can be reached from the turn-off from Habarana- Anuradhapura
Road at a distance of 12km from Habarana. Another 5 km along a graveled yet
motorable road leads to the foot of the mountain.</div>
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Ritigala Mountain at a height of 766 m above the sea-level
is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. The
mountain mass about three miles long and about two miles wide at its widest
point is covered with dense jungle inhabited by wild Elephants, leopards and
bears. It is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachaduwa tank
and Kalueba Ela which feeds Huruluwewa. The Ritigala Mountain has been declared
a Strict Natural Reserve in order to maintain its pristine environment.
Ritigala mountain’s cloud cover and mist that cloth it most of the year round
has resulted in a flora much more commonly found at the central hills of wet
zone than those in the dry plains: the upper part of the mountain is well known
for its flora, some of which are rare; it has also a range of wild orchids.</div>
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<b>History of the Ritigala Mountain Sri Lanka</b></div>
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Ritigala is home to 70 rock caves that were believed to had
been inhabited since the first century BC. Mahavamsa, the great historical
chronicle of Sri Lanka narrates that Ritigala was known by the name of
"arittha-pabbata" during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 BC), the
third king of Sri Lanka. Since then Ritigala had been, at intervals, a
sanctuary for the kings at war against the Dravidian invaders to the island
till the 7th century: King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) and King Jetthatissa in the
seventh century.</div>
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From the early days of Buddhism, monks had been living in
natural caves or rock shelters. Rock inscriptions discovered at Ritigala
indicate that gradually, the sanctuary became a monastic retreat for hermit
(Pamsukulika) monks. An inscription found at the site records that the Ritigala
monastery was founded by King Lanji Tissa (119 - 109 BC) who also dedicated a
reservoir to the monastery The monastery complex built with the tradition of
Padhanaghara Parivena was endowed by King Sena the first (846-866 AD) for the
benefit of Pansukulika monks who practiced extreme austerity. By the 10th-12th
century AD however Ritigala seems to have been abandoned by the hermit monks,
taken over by the jungle and forgotten by the populace.</div>
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It is the ruins of this monastery that King Sena I (846-866
AD) built for the Pansakulika monks that the modern pilgrims see today. The
Archaeological Department has sensitively restored many of the ruins.</div>
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<b>Rediscovery of Ritigala Sri Lanka</b></div>
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At the end of the tenth century, Ritigala came under the
barrage of south Indian invasions. By the 10th-12th century AD Ritigala seems
to had been abandoned by the hermit monks and soon it retreated into the
jungles and rediscovered in the late 19th century by James Mantell, a
government surveyor. A couple of decades later, the first archeological
commissioner in Ceylon H.C. P. Bell visited Ritigala and published a report on
his archeological investigations.</div>
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<b>Ruins of Buddhist Monastery</b></div>
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Entering the site of ruins of the monastery, the visitors
come to a huge man-made reservoir with a circumference of 1,200 feet
constructed by means of a bund across a valley down which two streams flow from
the mountain. The inside is lined with stones meant to protect it and also to
serve as steps for bathers. The top of the bund is also paved with large
stones. The path to the ruins runs along the southern bank of the reservoir,
crosses a bridge, passes a circus and then leads to the first buildings.</div>
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A short climb off the foot of the mountain takes the
visitors to the ruins at Ritigala that are scattered over an area of about 120
acres. Turning right the visitors come a large rectangular building with a
sunken and paved courtyard in its center with pillars around it: the refectory
with grindstones and a stone trough. Just near the refectory is a large area
enclosed by a wall which like most of the structures at Ritigala is made of
huge finely cut and dressed slabs of stone. Within this area are two pairs of
double platforms with stones fitted together hard and fast.</div>
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On the northern end of the enclosure wall is a path that
leads down to a ravine then to a river where there is a stone bridge and a
bathing enclosure. Returning to near the north-west corner of the enclosed
area, the visitor finds a path leading westward through very thick forest. This
paved path runs for about 1000 feet and has several flights of stairs
interspersed by two roundabouts. The first of these roundabouts, roughly
halfway along the path, is the largest, while the second smaller one is towards
the end of the path. A little before the first roundabout a path leads off to
the left to an impressive stone bridge, several double platforms and caves.</div>
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The double platforms are made out of huge slabs of
beautifully cut stone and always occur in pairs, joined by a bridge. They are
usually built on natural rock foundations and are always aligned in the same
direction. Near the platforms are found urinal stones some of which are
elaborate carved. In fact, the urinal stone is the only feature in Pansakulika monasteries
with any decorations on them at all.</div>
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<b>Architecture of the monastery</b></div>
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Ritigala monastery where Pansakulikas monks dwelled has no
stupas, no image houses or temples. The long meditational pathway which
branches out to the buildings while climbing up the mountain brings about
tranquility in the jungle setting. The architecture herein is in line with all
other forest monasteries of Pansakulikas: certain mysterious features unique in
Sri Lankan monastic architecture; long paved paths often with roundabouts in
them; large stone-lined and stepped reservoirs; and unique double platforms.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Ritigala Mountain</b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-55693325914097395872012-06-26T01:05:00.003-07:002020-07-08T04:09:17.930-07:00Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Ratnapura meaning City Gems in Sinhalese, the main source of
precious and semiprecious stones (including rubies, sapphires, and cat’s-eyes)
mined in the valleys by River Kalu Ganga that flows through the district, is
located 103 m from Colombo in the Sabaragamuwa district of wet Zone of Sri
Lanka.</div>
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For best travel tips visit <a href="https://tropicalmonarchs.com/" target="_blank">TropicalMonarchs.com</a>.<br />
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<b>Reaching Ratnapura</b></div>
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Ratnapura can be reached by A4 Highway which connects
capital Colombo to Kalmunai in the Eastern Province. The A8 Highway connects
the town with Panadura in the western coast of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<b>Ratnapura’s Climate, terrain and vegetation</b></div>
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The high rainfall (4,000 to 5,000 mm annually) at Ratnapura
district in a valley (21m above sea-level) by the River Kalu Ganga Ratnapura
has resulted in rich vegetation, an environment of greenery interspersed with
streams and waterfalls. Ratnapura affords grand views of the surrounding
countryside, in particular the famous and revered mountain, Adam’s Peak (Sri
Pada). The most visited waterfalls at Ratnapura are Bopath Ella Falls at the
village of Kuruvita and Katugas Ella Falls at the village of Mahawelawatta and
Kirindi Ella Falls.</div>
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Ratnapurais one of the most beautifully situated towns in
Ceylon, except for its climate, which is aptly compared to a Turkish bath.
Still it is this hot moist temperature which makes all leaf and blossom more
luxuriant in Ratnapura than anywhere else.</div>
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<b>Gem Mining at Ratnapura</b></div>
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Mining of gems in Sri Lanka, also known by the name of Ratna
Deepa (Sinhala: The Island of Gems) in the ancient times, is woven in to the
history of Sri Lanka, goes back at least to 2000 years. The Mahavansa, the
ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka too mentioned about gems and jewelry on several
occasions. A sizeable community at Ratnapura is engaged in the Gem Trade.
Mechanized gem mining being banned in Sri Lanka, unearthing gemstones at
Ratnapura is an unsophisticated and small-scale affair done in traditional
methods.</div>
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Besides the villages surrounding Ratnapura and Pelmadulla
towns, other areas that had become famous for their gem mines include the
villages surrounding the towns of Kuruvita, Opanayake, Rakwana, Kahawatte and
Eheliyagoda, all in Ratnapura district. One of the villages in Pelmadulla where
gem mining is highly concentrated is of Ganegama.</div>
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Ratnapura district has produced an incredible variety of gemstones,
many of them outstanding in comparison with stones from other regions. Sapphire
occurs in all hues of blue, as well as yellow, violet, green, pink, and the
remarkable pinkish-orange “padparadsha.” Other gemstones include topaz in
bright yellow with a reddish tinge; brownish yellow to cinnamon-colored
grossular; orange-yellow spessartine; blood-red pyrope; red to brownish red
almandine; the world’s finest zircon in a broad spectrum including brown,
yellow, orange, green, and colorless (known locally as ‘Matara diamond’—a
misnomer); green, yellow, and brown tourmaline; yellow, green, and brown
chrysoberyl; yellow chrysoberyl cat’s-eye; the unique white translucent variety
of microcline with a blue sheen known as moonstone; and great quantities of spinel
in brown, green, blue, purple, violet, yellow, pink, and red. Unusual and rare
stones from the same area include sillimanite, andalusite, scapolite,
enstatite, kornerupine and diopside.</div>
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Ratnapura is the source of some of the priceless gemstones
in the world: Blue Giant of Orient (466 cts), Logan Blue Sapphire (42 3cts),
Blue Belle of Asia (400 cts), Rossar Reeves Star Ruby (138.7 cts), Star of
Lanka (393 cts) and the Ray of Treasure (105 cts Cat’s Eye). The Star of Lanka
and Ray of Treasure are the proud possessions of the National Gem &
Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<b>Trading precious gems in the street.</b></div>
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Saviya Mawata at the heart of the town of Ratnapura, 150 m
east of the clock tower is the location the local traders haggle over uncut
precious and semi precious gems. The street is lined with the shops of small
dealrs. Located at the clock tower and main street are traditional jewelry
shops.</div>
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<b>Ratnapura Agriculture</b></div>
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Ratnapura is a village set in agriculture. Many delicious
fruits like mango and papaya and vegetables are grown as market products. The
town's agricultural industry is also well developed: large plantations of tea
and rubber surround the town.</div>
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<b>Ratnapura’s tourism industry</b></div>
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Ratnapura being a nature attraction that serves trekking opportunities
caters to a well-established tourism industry. Ratnapura is a convenient
transit base to explore the popular attractions of Sinharaja rain forest, Uda
Walawe National Park, Kitulgala, and Sri Pada.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Ratnapura National Museum</b></div>
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Ratnapura National Museum is set up at the renovated
building called “Ehelepola Walauva” once belonged to a minister Ehelepola of
the last king of Sri Lanka. The beautiful building on Ratnapura - Colombo road
was opened for the public as a museum in 1988. Among the exhibits are
prehistoric archaeological inventions, geological, anthropological, zoological
artifacts and models related to the Sabaragamuva Province. Portrayal of the
folk life of the region including various forms of dress, ornamentation,
weaponry, musical instruments is an important aspect of the museum.</div>
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The weaponry on display: Sinhala swords of late medieval era
including a rare sword said to have belonged to Ehelepola; a fine collection of
old guns including a Vicker machine gun used during the first world war.</div>
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The cookery of the region: tripod pan with three moulds for
preparing those delectable cakes known as kiri roti made of rice flour, grated
coconut and coconut milk and often consumed with treacle.</div>
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Traditional Kandyan jewelry: necklaces, bangles, anklets and
earings.</div>
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<b>Ratnapura Gemological Museum</b></div>
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The gemological Museum at Ratnapura houses an array of
fabulous samples of precious and semi-precious gems: rubies; sapphires;
amethyst. Among the other exhibits are the images, artefacts and tools that
elaborate the history and the processes of the industry. The museum features a
souvenir shop and a restaurant.</div>
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<b>Ratnapura Maha Saman Devale</b></div>
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Maha Saman Devale is a shrine dedicated to God Saman-the
tutelary deity of Adam's Peak constructed on the site of the Portuguese church
and fort after the area was recaptured by the Kandyan kingdom from the
Portuguese.</div>
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"The Maha Saman Devale, Ratnapura is very
impressive—the grandest in size and setting of all the devales I have seen.
Approached up long stone steps flanked by dug out boats on either side (ready
for the annual goods) one senses at once that one is entering a place of myths
and legends and offine style and historic Importance. Here a king at war must
have been a king indeed and the palatial walauwas in the province seem a right
and proper architectural support to the central place Of worship of its people.
The devale compound is bound by a low, tiled and windowed, wall within which
its space is ordered and emphasized by pavilion roofs, culminating in a three
tiered tower at one point, with two other deeply eaved shrine roofs for balance
on the vast flat quadrangle. The impression is of triangular weight airborne on
carved pillars on a flat sandy expanse, glimpsed through ever changing frames
as one walks through the cloisters."—Barbara Sansoni<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Ratnapura</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-56520388804138601982012-06-26T01:04:00.005-07:002012-06-26T06:28:40.489-07:00polonnaruwa<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<br />
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's splendid medieval capital was
established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century, A.D. It replaced
Anuradhapura, plundered made desolate, and laid hopelessly bare to the invading
armies from South India. Three Kings dominate the annals of the city and the
period.</div>
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The city reached a dazzling but pitifully brief zenith in
the 12th century and though ravaged by invasion in the centuries following,
much evidence remains of the old grandeur and glory.</div>
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The ruins of the ancient city stand on the east shore of a
large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa Lake, or Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of
Parakrama), created by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86), whose reign was
Polonnaruwa's golden age. Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace
buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other
religious buildings.</div>
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A scattering of other historic buildings can be found to the
north of the main complex, outside the city walls and close to the main road to
Habarana and Dambulla.</div>
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To see many of the relics excavated from the site such as
the stone lion which once guarded the palace of King Nissanka Malla, or the
fine Hindu bronzes unearthed from the ruins of the Siva Devale Temple - you may
have to visit the National Museum in Colombo, where they are kept. However,
with the opening of the new Polonnaruwa Visitor Information Centre and its
museum in 1998/9 some of the key exhibits were scheduled to return to the place
where they were discovered.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Polonnaruwa</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-78711228459180498662012-06-26T01:04:00.001-07:002012-06-26T06:22:23.001-07:00Nagadipa (Nagadeepa), Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<br />
<b>Location</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nagadeepa (Nagadipa) or Nainativu is one of the islands of
the cluster of islands in the Palk Bay off the Jaffna peninsula.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Reaching Nagadeepa (Nagadipa)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The access to Nagadeepa is from the village of Kurikattuwan
(Kurikadduwan) of the island of Punkudutivu: by a 20 minute boat ride over the
Palk Bay. The island of Punkudutivu is connected by a causeway over the Palk
Bay to Kayts, the largest island of the cluster. Kayts is in turn reached by a
longer causeway, again over the Palk Bay from the city Jaffna. The total
distance (land+ sea) from Jaffna to Nagadeepa 30 km.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jaffna city located 404km north of Colombo in the
northernmost Peninsula of Sri Lanka is reached by A3 main road that link to A9
main northern motor road.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Landing at the island of Nagadeepa (Nagadipa)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The sandy island of Nagadeepa, sheltered by Coconut palm
groves as well as Palmyrah palm trees, features two main jetties set apart by a
distance of no more than 300 meters: one of the jetties brings into the
immediate vicinity, the Hindu Kovil at the beach while the other leads straight
to the Nagadeepa Vihara, also in close proximity of the beach. The boats
reaching the island opt for one or other jetty depending on the passengers
brought in from Jaffna: should there be more Hindus, it will be moored at the
jetty close to the Hindu Kovil; should there be more Buddhist passengers, the
boat would be moored at the jetty closer to the Buddhist temple.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The stretch of beach between the Buddhist Temple and Hindu
Kovil</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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On the motorable coastal road running past the Hindu Kovil
and Buddhist Temple is a string of stalls that has formed a mini bazzar
stretching for about hundred meters between the two shrines. While the
population of the island is approximately 2,500 Sri Lankan Tamils and about 250
Muslims, the islands sees thousands of Sinhalese Buddhists on pilgrimage to the
Buddhist temple, which is considered as one of the 16 holiest Buddhist Sites of
Sri Lanka by virtue of being a location Buddha had visited in the 6th century
B.C.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>History of Nagadeepa (Nagadipa)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Nagadipa or Naka-diva is first mentioned in the Pali
chronicles of Ceylon in connection with the story of the Buddha's second visit
to Sri Lanka in the 6th century B.C. According to the Mahavamsa (ch.1.vv 44-70)
the Buddha during this visit pacified two Naga kings of Nagadipa who were
arrayed in battle over a gem-set throne. In the ancient chronicles the
pre-historic Naga tribes are represented as non-human beings enriched with an
advanced civilization.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Buddhist Temple Nagadeepa (Nagadipa)</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The ancient temple encompassing the image houses and the
stupa in which the gem-set throne was enshrined had been destroyed. Buddhist
temple therein is a modern one. Unlike thousands of other stupas in the
country, the modern Nagadeepa stupa is painted in silver in an attempt to
protect its limestone structure from the relentless sea-wind.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There are two shrine rooms at the premises: behind the stupa
is the main shrine room; the smaller shrine room features a bronze Buddha
statue<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Nagadipa (Nagadeepa)</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-18538479413915227532012-06-26T01:02:00.002-07:002012-06-26T06:18:13.003-07:00Mihintale<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Mihintale is located 221 km from Colombo in the Cultural
Triangle of the north-central province of Sri Lanka.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mihintale Mountain</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri
Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by
Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary
housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas,
bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty eight cave dwellings provided the monks
shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as
well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Vedahala - the Hospital at the foot of the mountain at
Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
With the growth of the community of monks and the pious
laymen, there arose the inevitable need of a hospital. The first hospital at
Mihintale was founded by King Sena the second (853-887 AC) at Mihintale. The
identification was based on a tenth century inscription found at the site.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Today, the ruins of a hospital with its layout restored can
be seen at the entrance to the site of Mihintale. At the entrance to the
hospital is the outer courtyard that consists of four rooms: consulting room;
room for preparation and storage of medicine; room for hot water baths. At the
end of the outer courtyard, to the north is the main building: the quadrangular
courtyard having a small shrine in the center. The rooms are arranged on a two
high platforms on all four sides of the Central Courtyard. The rooms face the
shrine which is in the Courtyard. The area of each room is about 100 square
feet. The rooms open onto an inner Verandha making all cells accessible.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Archeological excavations have unearthed clay wares and blue
colored jars. These jars are another evidence of the cultural and trade
connections with Iran and Sri Lanka at such an ancient time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Arama: the residence of the monks at the foot of the
mountain at Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Between the ancient hospital and the great stairway to the
mountain of Mihintale are ruins of ancient monastic buildings girt by a
boundary wall. The entrance to the monastery is decorated with steps,
Guard-Stones, makara (dragon) balustrades and naga (cobra) figures. This
building is similar to arama buildings found in Anuradhapura. Ruins of
quadrangle’s two story buildings, each built on 12 or 16 stone columns called
Prasada that houses several rooms are found here.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The great stairway at Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The great stairway that leads up the Mihintale Mountain
consists of no less than 1840 rock cut steps. While some of the neat steps are
carved into the natural rock, the rest are paved with cut granite. Exceedingly
wide for a pedestrian climb, the impressive staircase of unique distinction,
well sheltered and shaded with frangipani flower trees and ever-green wood makes
a very pleasant climb. The blossoms of Araliya (frangipani) make the staircase
fragrant while the intrusive hoards of monkeys hover around and hang in the
branches of the trees to grab snacks off the visitors.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When one proceeds along the ancient stairway-about half the
distance, the path branches off to the right into a still steeper climb. The
pathway, which consists of about 80 steps, leads you to the site of the Kantaka
Cetiya. The branch pathway is 10 feet wide and about half the size of the stone
steps laid on the main path. Mahasaya, Atvehera and Rajagirilena Kanda are
approached through similar pathways.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Refectory, the Alms Hall at Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To the left of the first level of Mihintale is the main
refectory. Two stone cut troughs used for serving rice are lined up along the
walls to the north and east. The larger of the trough with a length of 23 feet
is an indication of the large number of monks. Interior of these troughs were
believed to be lined with a layer of metal. Refectory also consists of overhead
water pipes and elaborates drainage system. A rock cut inscription reveals the
members at the refectory: 12 cooks, warden and firewood suppliers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Dage, the Relic House, the Main Shrine at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mihintale’s main shrine is located at an elevated level
adjoining the refectory. A flight of stairs leads to the main shrine. Two large
slabs of stone contain inscriptions in length on both sides of the entrance to
the shrine. The beautiful inscription on polished slabs of granite made by King
Mahinda the fourth (956-972 A.D.), one of the longest ancient inscriptions of
Sri Lanka shed a great deal of information on the monastery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Kantaka Chetiya at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kantaka Chetiya in its ruined state, is of a height of 40
feet and a circumference of 425 feet. On the four sides of the stupa are found
four projecting front pieces called Vahalkadas. Two of the four Vahalkadas are
preserved in good condition. The Vahalkadas are profusely ornamented with
sculptures: frieze of ganas (dwarfs) and frieze of hamsa (geese). The caves
located near to the stupa are the earliest dwellings of the resident monks at
Mihintale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The sixty eight caves at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The sixty eight caves, the earliest dwellings of the monks
at Mihintale are located around the Kantaka Cetiya. The Mahavamsa, the great
historical chronicle of Sri Lanka narrates on the donation of caves to the
monks by King Devanampiya Tissa. Furthermore the inscriptions engraved above
the drip ledges of these caves too elaborate of the offering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Sinha Pokuna (Lion pond) at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To the south of the Assembly Hall in the middle terrace at a
lower level is the Lion pond amidst the ruins of a monastic building. The pond
built into a natural rock has water channeled from Naga Pokuna at a higher
elevation. The water is discharged through the open mouth of the life size-lion
carved onto a rock wall. Right round the pond are sculptures depicting dancers,
Elephants, musicians and dwarfs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Ambasthala Chetiya at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The first monument that comes into view when entering the
upper terrace is Ambastala dagoba built by King Mahadatika Mahanaga (09-21 AC).
It is a small stupa surrounded by stone pillars forming a circle. The pillars
are the unmistakable evidence that Ambastala dagoba was a circular relic house
with a roof of wooden construction over the stupa supported on those pillars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The site of Ambasthala Dagaba is believed to be the precise
location at Mihintale where Mahathera Mahinda met King Devanampiya Tissa and
the great sage delivered his first sermon on the mount, Cula Hatthipadopama
Sutta.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Sila Chetiya at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sila Cetiya at the upper terrace is believed to have been
built on a spot Buddha had seated on his third visit to Sri Lanka. It is a
stupa built in the medieval era of Sri Lanka.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mihindu Seya at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mihindu Seya was built by King Uttiya (210-200 BC) to
enshrine a portion of the bodily relics of Mahinda Mahathera.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Aradhana Gala (The Rock of Invitation) at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the eastern side of the Ambasthala Cetiya is the rock
called Aradhana Gala. It is believed to be the location where the novice monk
Sumana invited the gods and deities to the first sermon of Mahinda Mahathera in
Lanka.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mihindu Guhawa, the cave of Mahinda at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
About three hundred yards downhill from the Upper terrace,
on the eastern side a stone slab sheltered by another rock called Mihindu
Guhawa Cave. It is believed to be the location where Mahinda mahathera
mediated. The rectangular area is believed to be the bed of Mahathera Mahinda.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mahaseya, the great stupa</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Returning from Mihindu Guhawa Cave to the maluwa (plateau),
the Mahasaya can be seen on the summit of the mountain to the south. 110 steps
cut into the rock leads to the Mahasaya the great stupa. The largest stupa on
the summit of the mountain, Mahasaya stupa is the monument all would invariably
witness from far distant while arriving at Mihintale. Mahathupa is 45 feet in
height 136 feet in diameter. The location of monument must have made the
construction entailing as much expense and effort as one of the large monuments
at the capital.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Naga Pokuna, the Cobra Pond at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Just below the Mahasaya and Mihindu Saya at the foot of a
steep hillock is the Naga Pokuna (Cobra Pond) built into a natural rock basin.
Originally, a rainwater filled pool, following the establishment of the
monastery, springs were tapped to maintain the storage of water. Naga Pokuna
was central to the supply of water to the monastery: Lion Pond and Alms Hall
too were supplied with water from Naga Pokuna. The name of Naga Pokuna is
derived from the five hooded cobra cut in low relief on the rock surface.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Atvehera, The Inner Temple at Mihinatale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A long flight of some six hundred steps from Naga Pokuna
leads to Atvehera stupa at Atvehera Kanda hill. Though the stupa at the summit
of the hill is smaller than Mahasaya, the view from the location is panaromic.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Indikatuseya at Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Descending from Atvehera, at the ruins of the ancient
hospital at the foot of the mountain, the main road Mihintale-Galkulama leads
to an ancient vihara Indikatusaya to the right hand side. Well protected by a
stone wall are ruins of two stupas. Indukatusaya, the larger of the two stupas,
is built on an elevated platform paved with stone slabs. The platform is about
5 feet above the ground level and each side is about 40 feet. The stupa has
basal terraces that differ in form and style from those of other stupas. The
stairways are flanked by balustrades and a plain moonstone.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Rajagirilena Kanda, the Royal Rock Cave Hill at Mihintale</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
About half a kilometer from Indikatusaya along the gravel
road and on the turning to the left is located Rajagirilena Kanda. On the low
hill with a height of about of 100 feet, among the boulders at the summit are
caves once occupied by the monks. Fairly roomy cells were formed by brick and
clay walls that divide the interior sheltered by an overhanging rock roof.
Rajagirilena Kanda with its airy caverns in a pleasant setting is believed to
be first dwellings of the Buddhist monks at Mihintale.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Kaludiya Pokuna, the Black Water Pool at Mihintale</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A short path of about fifty meters through the boulders at
Rajagirilena Kanda leads to Kaludiya Pokuna, the central attraction of the hill
named Porodini in the Mihintale Tablets of King Mahinda the 4th. Kaludiya
Pokuna, the largest pool at Mihintale measures 200 feet in length and 70 feet
in width. Around the pool are the ruins of meditation halls, bathing houses and
walled caves. The name Black Water Pool was a result of the dark shadows left
upon the waters by the rock boulders and shady trees surrounding the pool.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Mihintale</b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7glknmNv0nlA0P_470vZsy1OQUGdyuu18hsuc5GrMIrMWewW3iDeC9JrvP0soVUFYQijW1kTYdXmZhaGHjKId_Ss1stTAFL9jikM8oP8SC5nncGs5wxJ617fVghyphenhyphen8yjuhyKRsJnB156c/s1600/1Mihintale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7glknmNv0nlA0P_470vZsy1OQUGdyuu18hsuc5GrMIrMWewW3iDeC9JrvP0soVUFYQijW1kTYdXmZhaGHjKId_Ss1stTAFL9jikM8oP8SC5nncGs5wxJ617fVghyphenhyphen8yjuhyKRsJnB156c/s200/1Mihintale.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-84414132448761396632012-06-26T00:42:00.001-07:002012-06-26T06:13:21.810-07:00Mahiyangana, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Location</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mahiyagana is located at a distance of 194km away from
Colombo.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Reaching Mahiyangana</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mahiyanagana can be reached by Colombo – Kandy A1 main motor
road and continuing along Kandy- Mahiyangana A26 main motor road.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mahiyanagana is not connected by the Railway line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mahaweli River through Mahiyangana</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sri Lanka’s longest river Mahaweli flows through
Mahiyangana, of which the Climate is determined by the north east monsoon of
the island. In the mid-20th century Mahaweli River irrigation projects provided
farmlands for the inhabitants of Mahiyangana. Today, the landscape of
Mahiyangana features savanna like grasslands beyond the paddy cultivation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mahiyangana Stupa</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The ancient Mahiyngana stupa is located 1km south of the
city center. The gleaming great white stupa built in the shape of a bell, sits
pretty atop a massive platform. The sculptures of elephant heads built onto the
platform stand proudly as if to guard the stupa. A well laid out and well
maintained long straight walkway stretches from the decorated Makara Thorana
(Sinhala: dragon arch) to the stupa.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The ancient Mahiyngana stupa is one of the sixteen most
venerated Buddhist stupas of Sri Lanka. It is believed Buddha’s hair relic is
enshrined within the ancient Mahiyangana.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sri Lanka’s greatest historical chronicle, Mahawamsa reveals
that nine moths since the supreme enlightenment of Buddha, having foreseen that
the island of Sri Lanka is destined to have the Buddhism established and remain
so for 5000 years, visited the island to preach the doctrine to the
pre-historic inhabitants belonging to the tribes of Yaksha, Naga and deva.
Prince Saman of Deva tribe, having attained the first spiritual plane of
Buddhism called Sovan, begged Buddha for a token of presence that could be held
high in reverence: he was granted a curl of hair off Buddha’s head. Prince
Saman had the ancient Mahiyangana Stupa was built enshrining the hair relic,
which was secured in a golden reliquary. Thus Mahiyangana became the first ever
stupa to be built in Sri Lanka.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The stupa was enlarged by the Buddhist monk Arahat Sarabhu
to a height of 12 cubits after receiving and enshrining the collar bone relic
of the Buddha taken from the funeral pyre. For the greater protection of the
shrine, King Devanampiyatissa's brother, Prince Uddhaya Culabhaya covered it
over and made it 30 cubits high. Mahiyangana Stupa was adored by the ancient
kings. King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) saddened by the ruinous state of
Mahiyangana stupa at the hands of Tamils, in spite of having destroyed the
Tamil fortress at Mahiyangana, instead of pressing ahead to the Tamil
strongholds in the northern plains, opted to spent time their in renovating the
stupa. The great king raised the cetiya to a height of 80 cubits. It was only
after the reconstruction of Mahiyanga stupa, King Dutugmunu carried on his
military campaign to save the island nation from the Dravidian invaders.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Though Mahiyangana stupa had been renovated by a succession
of princes and kings beginning with Prince Udaya Culabhaya to King Narendrasinghe,
by the 19th century, Mahiyangana stupa had been in the dilapidated state. In
1942, a conference was held at the Mahiyangana vihara, in the presence of Rt.
Hon. D. S. Senanayake, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, who expressed his
approbation for the restoration of the Mahiyangana Cetiya - the first of its
kind in Sri Lanka. For the purpose, a society was formed under the name
Mahiyangana Vihara Vardhana Samitiya, headed by the Hon. Minister. However, the
restoration work commenced only in the year 1953 by Dudley Senanayake, then
prime minister of Ceylon. On September 21, 1961, the renovated Mahiyangana
Stupa was unveiled amidst a great concourse of devotees who flocked to witness
the historic event. The pinnacle was adorned with a crystal-cut gem weighing
14.5 kg gifted by Myanmar.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mahiyagna tourist attractions</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mahiyangana Stupa is the most prominent cultural attraction
in Mahiyangana. Mahiyangana region, a plain with Mahaweli river running through
it provides access to a several National Parks, bird sanctuaries and aborigine
lands: Sorabora Wewa reservoir, Dambana, Ulhitiya Wewa reservoir, Minipe
reservoir, Randenigala reservoir, Maduruoya wildlife park, Wasgomuwa wildlife
park are the major attractions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Dambana and Sri Lanka’s Aborigines</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Dambana located 19km north east of Mahiyangana bordering
Maduru Oya Sanctuary is home to indigenous Vedda community numbering close to
1000 individuals. Though the natural habitat of these people, whose livelihood
once depended solely on hunting, was confined to the forest, during the recent
decades, they have been shifting in a slow transformation into Chena dry land
for cultivation. Over and above the transition, these aborigines of Sri Lanka
have begun to intermarry with the Sinhalese villagers living in the region
surrounding Dambana. The total extinction of their traditions of hunting for
food, cooking in open fire with a group, collecting Bee Honey, their songs and
dances of has now become a distinct possibility.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Mahiyangana </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrCCTo9LMxcwT0JP1ShhPiLhaXCVTMpjUEsufT0_qD1yoOLUTtqCpbTeUKOkofz7WeH-Jc6c6fPoe8_vD1OuE0CoyDD4Oa7vU0FMJ3qkZohnUdPg-UbqQmnFiNkFO0IW3UpNyaPVAOfs/s1600/DSC_4559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrCCTo9LMxcwT0JP1ShhPiLhaXCVTMpjUEsufT0_qD1yoOLUTtqCpbTeUKOkofz7WeH-Jc6c6fPoe8_vD1OuE0CoyDD4Oa7vU0FMJ3qkZohnUdPg-UbqQmnFiNkFO0IW3UpNyaPVAOfs/s200/DSC_4559.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-77477767820959936532012-06-26T00:41:00.001-07:002012-06-26T05:03:35.192-07:00Lankatilake Viharya,Kandy<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Location</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lankatilake Viharyais located at Handessa, 12km from the
Peradeniya bridge in Kandy district.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Setting</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lankatilake Viharya built on the summit of a rock called
Panhalgala provides a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding hills,
paddy fields and the diverse vegetation around it. On the temple premises are
the shrine, stupa and a Bodhi tree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>History</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The temple has the same name as the well-known construction
of Parakramabahu I at Polonnaruwa. This is a religious devotion of Senalankadhikara,
a minister of Bhuvanaikabahu IV of Gampola in 1344 CE. Further establishments
in the form of stucco work carried out by the King, Parakramabahu VI of Kotte
(1412-1467 CE). The building was four storeyed during its glorious days.
However, today there is only the ground floor and a part of the first floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Art and Architecture</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lankatilake Viharya is built of brick and granite on an
uneven rock surface with a cruciform ground plan. The square sanctuary is
ringed by an outer casing wall leaving a circumambulatory space alone three
sides. In the words of Dr. Senerath Paranavitana, the architecture is
“essentially a continuation and development of the Sinhalese architecture of
the Polonnaruwa period with some Dravidian and Indo-Chinese features”.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Temple</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A flight of stairs cut into the rock surface of the premises
leads to the main entrance of the temple. On either side of the entrance are
gajasimhas (Elephant-lion) sculptures. Then an arched passage with Makara
Torana (Dragon Arch) on the exterior wall, well decorated carved with Gandharva
and Gaja-Lakshmi leads to pavilion and through it to an inner chamber. The 24
Buddhas that preceded Gautama Buddha are exquisitely painted on the walls and
ceiling. In a chamber is a colossal statue of seated Buddha under a beautiful
dragon arch. Images of deities Upulvan, Saman and Vibhisana occupy the niches
on the south, west and north respectively. The deity Skanda is accommodated to
the north of entrance separated by a wall.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Lankatilaka Viharaya </b></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-40551748599651100222012-06-26T00:40:00.003-07:002012-06-26T04:55:52.372-07:00Kelaniya Temple, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Kelaniya Temple is located at the city of Kelaniya, 12km
east of the city of Colombo.</div>
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<b>Reaching Kelaniya Temple</b></div>
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Kelaniya Temple can be reached by A1 main motor road running
from Colombo to Kandy and Railway.</div>
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<b>The sanctity of the Kelaniya Temple and the site</b></div>
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Kelaniya Temple built on the banks of the Kelaniya River is
one of the most sacred sites of Sri Lanka. It is believed Buddha together with
500 Arahats (Supremely enlightened beings) visited Kelaniya on the Wesek day of
the Buddhist Era 2531 and expounding of the Dhamma, the Buddhist doctrine to
the inhabitants of the island. Buddha’s timely visit to the island resulted in
quelling an imminent war between two kings named Chulodara and Mahodara over a
jewel–encrusted throne. Buddha having preached the doctrine on the disputed
throne offered to him ensued lasting peace between the two kings. The great
stupa built upon the site enshrining the throne was since then called Kelaniya
Raja Maha Vihara.</div>
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<b>History of Kelaniya Temple</b></div>
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Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior
to the chronologically recorded history of Sir Lanka (since 543 B.C) was
renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa following the
arrival Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa, King Devanampiyatissa's
brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also
built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa)
there.</div>
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The ancient temple was destroyed time and again by the
Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Each time the temple had been
reconstructed. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet
reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in the year 1967. New Temple was
initiated in 1927 and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist
Mrs. Helena Wijewardene.</div>
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<b>The Bo tree and the court yard at the Kelaniya Temple</b></div>
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The entrance to the temple yard is over the park across the
main street. The arched grill gate opens upto the lower terrace of the temple
yard. The lower terrace leads four sets of flight of steps in four carinal
directions to the Upper terrace which features the Image Hose, Dagaba and the
Bo Tree (Peepal tree) with other buildings.</div>
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<b>New Temple</b></div>
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'Aluth Vihara Ge' or the New Temple House section of the
Kelani Viharaya is 150 feet long and 90 feet broad. It stands on a stone plinth
3 feet in height. The roof is built in the Kandyan architectural style with a
design of an octagon.</div>
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'Aluth Vihara Ge' consists of four mage houses.</div>
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The 'Oth Pilima Ge', the oldest section of the temple houses
a large reclining Buddha statue and two seated Buddha statues.</div>
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The 'Ran Pilima Ge' houses another seated Buddha statue</div>
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The ‘Ran Pilima Ge' or the Golden Buddha Image House</div>
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<b>Murals in Kelaniya Temple</b></div>
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Kelaniya Temple has none of the ancient or medieval
paintings. The murals are those of the 18th century and the early 20th century.</div>
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<b>The Duruthu Perahera (Kelani Procession)</b></div>
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Kelaniya Temple is the starting point of the "The
Duruthu Perahera'' (Kelani Procession) inaugurated in 1927 and since then that
has been held on the pre - full moon day of the month of January every year.
Each year hundreds of thousands of locals and thousands of foreign tourists
gather at Kelaniya to enjoy the grand procession that features whip crackers,
torch carriers, flag carriers, caparisoned Elephants, dancers, trumpeters,
drummers and numerous other participants. The Kelani Procession features three
separate processions: that of the Buddha Relics and those of the three shrines
dedicated to the deities of Vishnu, Kataragama and Vibishana.</div>
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"The Duruthu Perahera'' (Kelani Procession) attracts
hundreds and thousands of people from all provinces of Sri Lanka, and hundreds
of foreign tourists trek their way to the temple purlieu to witness this
spectacular pageant.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Kelaniya Temple</b></div>
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<b style="color: blue;"> </b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-74782686568786638982012-06-26T00:39:00.001-07:002012-06-26T04:44:27.484-07:00Jetavana Stupa<div style="text-align: justify;">
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During the fourth century AC, Jetavanana stupa was the third
tallest monument in the world, the other two being pyramids at Gizeh, Egypt. At
the height of 120 meters Jetavana stupa is tallest brick building ever made.
The 19th century British writer James Emerson narrated Jetavanana stupa
contained a volume of bricks ‘sufficient to raise eight thousand houses each
with twenty feet frontage…line an ordinary Railway tunnel twenty miles long, or
form a wall one foot in thickness and ten feet in height, reaching from London
to Edinburgh.</div>
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The whole sacred area covers about 5.6 hectares that was
once surrounded by boundary wall of dressed stone that was 2.4 meters high. The
boundary wall with four projections called Vahalkada or front entrances lead to
the sand terrace called Valimaluva, an inner retaining wall which had
originally carried the four parts of Elephants, and four altars called Ayakas.
The stupa is built on raised square platform with flights of steps at the four
cardinal points making access to terrace paved with stone. The stupa had
undergone renovation by a succession of Sinhalese kings of Sri Lanka. The last
king to have the Jetavana stupa renovated was King Parakrabahu the great in the
12th century. Recently it was renovated by the UNESCO-Sri Lanka Cultural
Triangle Project.<br />
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<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Jetavana Stupa</b> </div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-53103494775534993352012-06-26T00:38:00.000-07:002012-06-26T04:42:49.949-07:00Jetavana monastery, Sri Lanka.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Jetavana Monastery at Anuradhapura one of the major Buddhist
Monasteries of Sri Lanka was founded by King Mahasena (276-303 AC). His
reputation as a builder of great monasteries was somewhat tarnished by his
grave misdeeds against the Mahavihara Monastery. Though following his
repentance and restoration of Mahavihara Monastery saved the name of the great
king in the annals of history of Sri Lanka, today he was remembered as one of
the greatest builders of tanks(rainwater reservoirs) of Sri Lanka. Such was the
glory of the king following the construction of vast Minneriya tank, the king,
following his death, was elevated the statues of deity named 'Minneriya
Deviyo" in the legends of Sri Lanka.</div>
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Jetavana Monastery was built in the Nandana Pleasure Garden,
where the great Buddhist missionary Thera Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka of
India, preached the Buddhism for seven consecutive days. Following the
historical event the Garden was named “Jotivana” meaning “the place where the
holy one made the true doctrine shine forth”. According to the historians,
Thera Mahinda was known by the title of Dipajotaka meaning “Light of Lanka”. It
is also said that the great monk and his associate monks were cremated herein
following their death.The present monastery complex covering an area of 48
hectares was a result of gradual expansion of at least six centuries since its
establishment in the 3rd century A.C.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The layout of Jetavana Monastery is identical to that of the
Abhayagiri monastery though smaller in dimensions. All the components within
the monastery too are to a large extent similar to those of Abhayagiri
monastery: the stupa, the image house (pilimage), Bo tree Shrine (Bodhigara),
the chapter house (uposathagara), the assembly hall (sannipatasala) and the residential
complex of the Buddhist monks ( pannasala). The buildings were set up around
the stupa in relation to the cardinal points: image house to the west, Bo-tree
Shrine (Bodhigara) and chapter house to the south, and the refactery to the
east. Around the stupa ran a belt of residential colleges of the monks with the
entances to them facing the stupa. The refectory reveals the monastery is home
to about 3000 resident Buddhist monks.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Museum at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The museum is of great service revealing the artefacts
discovered within the monastery during excavations. The numerous artefacts
discovered is of such a volume, today these were called Jetavanana Treasure.
Most of the artefacts were found deposited in the thick clay layer between the
basal platform and a brick upper platform built during the original
construction of the stupa by King Mahasena. The artefacts were dated between
second century BC and the last quarter of the third century AC based on the
contextual and stylistic grounds.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Among the artefacts displayed at the museum are imported and
local ceramics; Roman, Indian and other coins, more than 300,000 beads made of
clay, glass, stone, crystal, agate, carnelian, ivory, bone, shell, gold and
silver, and also bronze; Buddhist and Hindu ritual objects; slabs of stone with
paintings.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Buddhist Railing at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Buddhist railing, a rectangular structure with four
entrances, one in the center of each side is located behind the modern
Jetavanana museum. The rows of columns within enclosure had once held the
superstructure.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Monks’ Living Units (Pancavasa) at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Monks’ Living Units or Pancavasa are located south-west of
the Jetavanana stupa. The layout is set up in five-in-dice form. The larger
building in the center is surrounded four smaller buildings at the four
corners. While the senior monk would have lived in the building at the center,
other monks would have lived in the other four buildings at the corner. All the
five buildings consist of elegant flight of steps adorned with moonstones,
guardstones, and balustrades.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Image House (Patimaghara) at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Image House (Patimaghara), the largest image house found in
Anurdhapura, is located to the west of stupa. It is vaulted image house known
as gedige. The eight meter high monolithic door side-posts make way for the
twenty-five chamber stone reliquary (yantragala) and the lotus pedestal of the
Buddha image. The continuation of this vaulted type image houses are found at
Polonnaruwa: Thuparama, Lankatilaka and Tivanka image house.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Refectory or Danasala at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Refectory is located south-east of the stupa. The
Refectory herein is mall that that of Abhayagiri monastery. The stone-paved
central courtyard house a large canoe-like trough cut in stone that served rice
and a smaller trough that would have served gruel. Judging by the enormity of
the rice boat, it could be safely concluded, that the refectory would have been
capable of serving 3000 monks at a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Chapter House (Uposathagara) at the Jetavana monastery</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Chapter House is located south-east of Jetavana Stupa.
Hapter house was where the monks performed religious rites, meditated and held
discussions on religious texts. The primary task of the Chapter House was to function
as an assembly hall so that the monks who breached the code of conduct were
allowed to confess enabling the head monks to guide the errant. The massive
columns cut in stone testify to the multi-storeyed impressive structure that
had existed in its glorious days.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Jetavana Monastery</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-58516218790795333482012-06-26T00:37:00.001-07:002012-06-26T04:38:02.157-07:00Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gal Vihara (Sinhala: stone temple), Buddhist Temple at
(UNESCO World Heritage Site) at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka is the most perfect
specimen of Buddha statue hewn out of solid stone. Crafted during the reign of
King Parakrabahu (1153-1186 A.C), Gal Vihara statues are still in complete
preservation with their irresistible charm and sublimity. It is undeniable that
the sculptors of Gal Vihara were of greater skill and expertise in the art of
stone sculpture in Sri Lanka. The images at Gal Vihara have brought about
higher level of awakening in the observers with respect of Buddhist art in Sri
Lanka.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa known as “The Northern Temple” in
the beginning of its history, is a cave complex, about 27 meters in length and
10 meters in height at the centre and sloping towards the ends, with sculptures
carved on the solid rock in four shrines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gal Vihara, like numerous other Buddhist shrines of Sri
Lanka, is a shrine of Theravada Buddhism. Then again Gal Vihara testifies to
the influence of Mahayana Buddhism during the 12th century.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Caves of Gal Vihara</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gal Vihara consists of four cave shrines with sculptures
hallowed out of a granite rock.Caves from left to right are<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(a) Cave of Vijjadharas,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(b) Excavated Cave,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(c) Cave of Standing Image and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(d) Cave of Reclining Image.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Between the Excavated Cave and the Cave of Standing Image is
an inscription. In front of the Excavated Cave are remains of a pavilion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Though the brick walls of the four shrines had collapsed
centuries ago, the foundations remain giving evidence that each statue was
separated from one another.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cave of Vijjadharas</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The cave consists of a main image of Buddha sculpted out of
the rock boulder, having carved round and four small bas relief carvings of
Buddha. The small bas relief statues are carved on either sides, above the head
of the main image.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The main image depicts the chief of meditative Buddhas
titled Dharmadhatu, Adi Buddha, Vairocana and Vajrasattva.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The four small images of the Buddha in Dhayani Mudra
represent the four directions of the universe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All five images are of Dhyana Mudra or meditative posture is
believed to depict the all embracing Body of Law (Dharmakaya).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Excavated Cave</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Excavated cave too houses an image of Buddha in dhayana
mudra or meditative attitude sculpted out of the rock boulder. The image herein
is smaller than the main image at Vijjadhara Cave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Cave of Standing Image</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Buddha statue rising to 7 meters in height herein,
stands on a lotus pedestal called Padmasana. Padmasana signifies that Buddha is
a transcendental being.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Cave of Standing image: Ananda or Buddha</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The standing statue is at the head of the massive reclining
Buddha. The standing statue’s placing of arms across the breast has caused a
controversy as to the identity of the statue. The early archeologists believed
the statue was that of Ananda, an attendant disciple of Buddha grieving at the
passing away of Buddha.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
However, the subsequent studies at Gal Vihara on the
features of the statue have established that the standing image is that of
Buddha and not of his disciple Ananda.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly, since the standing image was once contained in its
own shrine room, separated by brick walls it has no relevance to the reclining
image. Though the brick walls of the three caves had collapsed several
centuries ago, the foundations can still be seen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Secondly, the right-ward curled clusters of hair are only
found on the images of the Buddha and not on the images of his disciples in the
same period.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thirdly, the Buddhist artists never offered the Lotus throne
or Padmasana to disciples Fourthly, the ears of the statue herein are
elongated. Of all the statues of Buddha, his disciples and deities, only the
images of Buddhas consist of elongated ears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Cave of Reclining Image</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The reclining image of Buddha at this cave is 14 meter long.
In spite of the colossal proportions, the statue carries supreme grace and
serenity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Cave of Reclining Image: Reclining posture Vs.
Parinirvana posture</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The argument over the massive statue with respect of
Buddha’s posture of passing away and the posture of reclining was won over by
the proponents who established that the great statue at this cave is a
reclining image.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly herein the Buddha statue with lotus symbol in the
palms and feet, is sculpted in the posture called Simhaseyya: the pose of a
sleeping lion. The lion sleeps resting its head on its right paw.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Secondly,in Sri Lanka the theme of passing away wasn’t taken
as a popular feature in Buddhist art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Thirdly the images that regularly accompany the images of
Buddha’s passing away, i.e.images of disciples, sal trees and flowers aren’t
present at this statue<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue;"> Picture gallery of Gal Vihara</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-74694984759538639222012-06-26T00:35:00.003-07:002012-06-26T04:27:14.282-07:00Degaldoruwa Viharaya,Kandy<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Location</b></div>
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Degaldoruwa Viharaya is located at the village of Amunugama,
7km from Kandy.</div>
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<b>Setting</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Degaldoruwa Viharaya is set up on terrace of a low rocky
outcrop into another rock mass rising to a height of 40 feet. Alongside the
temple is an impressive belfry. The main chamber is created by creating a large
cavity under a large granite rock A path carved of rock leads to a higher
terrace where the Bo tree and the stupa is located.</div>
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<b>Art and Architecture</b></div>
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Degaldoruwa Viharaya is a Cave Temple with Kandyan era
Paintings and Architecture. The arch at the entrance painted in white is in
sharp contrast with the murals. The rock cut chamber consists of two roofed
antechambers: a drumming hall and an intermediate vestibule. Degaldoruwa
Viharaya is a treasure trove of murals: the rock walls and ceilng are
recognized as some of the best examples of the Kandyan era paintings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<b style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Degaldoruwa Viharaya</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCRyf0w81trzwchv9h7C0Jz-W4OsjHos1Fi3IQhMr8z90Vl38fV81d-EuTN6Fy4iZvTkmK3V-xCFFUlydZpbuM8PrtCNh_V7NLiXt-S4etL3XDB3kFvoI9zpL8LJmTrLUS9b983TXyxY/s1600/2721778316_516d76a4e5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCRyf0w81trzwchv9h7C0Jz-W4OsjHos1Fi3IQhMr8z90Vl38fV81d-EuTN6Fy4iZvTkmK3V-xCFFUlydZpbuM8PrtCNh_V7NLiXt-S4etL3XDB3kFvoI9zpL8LJmTrLUS9b983TXyxY/s200/2721778316_516d76a4e5_z.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-70689315501273854042012-06-26T00:34:00.002-07:002012-06-26T04:17:28.509-07:00Brazen Palace in Anuradhapura<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Today, all we have are 1600 stone pillars in 40 rows of the
Brazen Palace. A great gleaming roof, made of copper, slanting down to all four
sides from the centermost point gave shelter to 1000 windowed chambers in 9
stories rising to a height of 150 feet.</div>
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Says the Mahavamsa, the great historical Chronicle of Sri
Lanka:</div>
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“A thousand well-arranged chambers were in the pasada,
overlaid with various gems and adorned with windows. The king had a
gem-pavilion set up in the middle. It was adorned with pillars consisting of
precious stone, on which were figures of lions, tigers and so forth, and shapes
of devatas. A bordering of pearl network ran round the edge of the pavilion and
thereon was a coral vedika.” (Ch. 27)</div>
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That was during reign of King Dutugamunu, ‘The Hero of the
Nation”.</div>
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Such was the splendor of the monumental Brazen Palace built
on the location of chapter house called Mahamucala Malala consecrated by Maha
Thera Mahinda, the apostle of Gauthama Buddha who devoted his lifetime to
propagating Buddhism in ancient Lanka.</div>
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Adjoining Lohapasada or Brazen Palace are ruins of Alms-hall
called Catussala of the Buddhist monks of Mahavihara monastery. At the eastern
corner of these ruins is a rice boat, a 45 feet long vessel cut into a slab of
rock that could contain alms to at least 3000 monks at a time. The rice boat
corresponds well the narration of the Chinese Buddhist scholar Fa-Hsien. According
to him, there were 3000 monks at Mahavihara monastery at Anuradhapura.<br />
<br />
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<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Picture gallery of Brazen Palace</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-58232267532111369172012-06-26T00:32:00.001-07:002012-06-26T04:13:58.909-07:00Aukana Buddha Statue, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Location of the Aukana Buddha Statue</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Aukana Buddha statue is located at 30km northwest of
Dambulla close to ancient Kala Weva man-made rainwater reservoir. It can be
reached from Kekirawa on Dambulla-Anuradhapura road.</div>
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<b>The tallest ancient Buddha statue of Sri Lanka</b></div>
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Aukana Buddha statue that rise to a height off 11.36 meters,
is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>The posture of the statue</b></div>
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Aukana Buddha statue in Asisa Mudra or the “posture of
blessing” is carved out of a rock boulder. The statue is carved in the round
connected to the back to the rock boulder. The delicate and skillful carving of
the Buddha's robe humanizes and chastely reveals the underlying form of his
body, while the face's impassive expression projects an aura of spiritual
supremacy.</div>
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It is said that the degree of alignment of the statue is
such that raindrop on the nose would drop straight down to small depression
carved between the toes. Aukana Buddha statue is a masterpiece of a colossal
Buddha Statue by an unknown sculptor: the serene expression of the statue, the
gracefully carved robe with neat pleats brings in delicateness that could
hardly be moulded into a rock. The impassive expression of the face reflects
the supreme spirituality.</div>
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<b>The sculpture in proportion</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Aukana Buddha statue is carved alone the proportion of nine
faces: the body height is nine times the length of the face. The proportion of
nine faces is the iconometry followed by the sculptors in the eight century AC
of Sri Lanka.</div>
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Sirasapata</div>
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Sirasapata is the symbol placed on the top of the Buddha
images in Sri Lanka. The sirasapata found on the head of Aukana Buddha statue
is believed to be a modern addition in the year 1870. The discovery of a
fragment of a sirasapata in the premises of the site suggests there had been a
sirasapata on the head of the statue nearly a century before 1870. This turn of
events have lead to study whether sirasapata had existed from the very
beginning in the 8th century AD. According to the Buddhist literature
sirasapata have existed in the all four previous Buddhas. Introduction and
existence of sirasapata have been consistent in Sri Lanka since second half of
the fifth century A.D. with several exceptions. Hence it is believed Aukana
Buddha statue too was adorned with a sirasapata.</div>
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<b>Drapery</b><br />
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Drapery, the art of draping the statues in folds is
prominent in the Aukana Buddha statue. The robe in single groves is draped over
the left shoulder to fall over the left shoulder up to the ankle. The right
shoulder is left bare.</div>
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<b>Pedestal</b><br />
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Aukana Buddha statuestand on a pedestal, the front of which
is carved off a slab off stone in the form of a double petal lotus flower
called Padmasana meaning the Lotus seat.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>School of Art</b><br />
</div>
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Iconography, the study of characteristics of statues, the
Avukana Buddha, particularly the sirasapata, pedestal and the style shows
Aukana Buddha statue belongs to Anuradhapura school of art.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Dating Aukana Statue</b><br />
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The difference in opinion of the experts of the dating of
Aukana Buddha statues was finally resolved following the discovery in the year
1952, of an inscription on a granite slab built onto the northern wall of the
shrine. The statue was sculpted in the second half of the 8th century AD when
Mahayana Buddhism threatened to take root in Sri Lanka.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Picture gallery of Aukana Buddha Statue</b></div>
<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-55050011392892366442012-06-26T00:31:00.001-07:002012-06-26T04:10:17.014-07:00Arankele Monastery, Sri Lanka<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>Location</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Arankele forest monastery and caves lie at a distance of
117km from Colombo.</div>
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<b>Reaching Arankele</b></div>
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Arankele Forest Monastery, an archaeological site, is
reached by Colombo- Kurunegala- Ibbagamuwa - Moragolla road.</div>
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<b>Setting</b></div>
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Arankele Forest Monastery’s sylvan environment and ruins of
bathing ponds gives the impression it was once a pleasure park. Arankele, on
the contrary, was a 6th century cave hermitage up a forested hillside. The
densely wooded terrain crowded with huge hardwood trees are interspersed by the
openings and clearings created by the on-going process of clearing scattered
debris to unearth the ruins and re erecting the fallen ruins.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Rock Caves</b></div>
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On the slopes of Arankele hill is a cluster of natural rock
caves once used by monastic monks for shelter and meditation. Though remain
rough outside with the exception of the drip ledges, the interior walls are
well plastered with lime</div>
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<b>Ruins of the monastery</b></div>
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it was the site of an ancient forest monastery - the austere
abode of a sect of recluse monks who had been attracted to this site because of
its very isolation and seclusion. The building at the entrance of the Arankele
site has been identified as a Jantagara or hot water bath with the dimensions
of 100ft in length and 60ft in breadth. There also vestiges of grinding stones
which had been used to prepare herbal medicines in the past. Amongst the other
ruins that have been identified are meditating promenades, ponds and long
winding pathways. Long pathways that cut across the dense forest lead to stone
carved drip-ledged caves used for mediation alms-giving halls and bathing ponds
that testify to the excellent craftsmanship.</div>
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<b>Architecture</b></div>
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Ancient stone slabs of inscriptions in Brahmi script have
revealed the existence of meditation halls, stone-faced double platform
structures and ambulatories for the austere Buddhist monks here. The platforms
aligned in east-west axis consist with the entrance porch to the east bridged
by a large monolith. The smaller of the double platform structure herein, the
roof being supported on columns, has the impression of being divided into cells
for the monks. The purpose of the construction of double platforms hasn’t been
yet determined though some scholars are of the opinion those were used for
meditation, ceremonies and teaching.</div>
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In line with the severe simplicity and austere religious
practices of Arankele Forest Monastery, the building had been built with no
pretentions to decorations. Furthermore stupas, shrines and status found in the
ancient urban monasteries weren’t found herein either. The exception to the
minimalist architecture is the existence of urinal stones decorated with
carvings. The purpose of the practice of decorating urinal stones hasn’t been
established.</div>
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<b>Hot water bath and grinding stones</b></div>
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Arankele Forest Monastery is home to the largest hot water
pond in Sri Lanka: it is around 100ft in length and 60ft in breadth. Also seen
are vestiges of grinding stones that had been used to prepare Ayurvedic
medicines. All these ruins now being unearthed testifies to the existence of a
large Ayurvedic hospital at the monastery.</div>
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<b>History of the monastery</b></div>
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Arankele Forest Monastery was the austere abode of a sect of
recluse monks called Pansukulika practicing extreme austerity. The history of
the cave hermitage dates back to the 6th century: Arankele Forest Monastery is
believed to be where the last known Arhat monk, Maliyadeva resided along with
no less than 12,000 monastic monks.<br />
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<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
<b>Picture gallery of Arankele Monastery</b></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4325755830891653669.post-42818159775852512602012-06-26T00:30:00.003-07:002012-06-26T04:05:30.964-07:00Anuradhapura<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Anuradhapura was first settled by
Anuradha, a follower of Prince Vijaya the founder of the Sinhala race. Later,
it was made the Capital by King Pandukabhaya about 380 B.C.According to the
Mahavamsa, the epic of Sinhala History, King Pandukabhaya's city was a model of
planning. Precincts were set aside for huntsmen, for scavengers and for
heretics as well as for foreigners. There were hostels and hospitals, at least
one Jain chapel, and cemeteries for high and low castes. A water supply was
assured by the construction of tanks, artificial reservoirs, of which the one
called after himself exists to this day under the altered name of Baswakkulam.</div>
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It was in the reign of King
Devanampiya Tissa (250 - 210 B.C.) that the Arahat Mahinda, son of the great Buddhist
Emperor Asoka, led a group of missionaries from North India to Sri Lanka. With
his followers he settled in a hermitage of caves on the hill of Mihintale -
whose name derives from Mahinda's own.</div>
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The new religion swept over the
land in a wave. The King himself gave for a great monastery in the very heart
of the city his own Royal Park - the beautiful Mahamegha Gardens.</div>
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The Buddhist principality had had
but a century to flourish when it was temporarily overthrown by an invader from
the Chola Kingdom of South India. The religion, however, received no set-back.</div>
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At this time far away on the
southeast coast, was growing up the prince who was to become the paladin of
Sinhala nationalism: Dutugamunu (161 - 137 B.C)</div>
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For all his martial prowess, King
Duttha Gamini must have been a man of singular sensibility. He built MIRISAVETI
DAGOBA, and the mighty Brazen Palace, nine stories high he presented to
Mahasanga (order of monks). But, the RUWANVELI DAGOBA, his most magnificent
gift he did not live to see actually completed.</div>
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Two more, at least, of the
Anuradhapura Kings must be mentioned - if only because some of the greater
monuments are indisputably attributable to them.</div>
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The earlier of these was
Vattagamani Abhaya (Valagamba) (103 & 89-77 B.C.) in the first year of
whose reign Chola invaders again appeared and drove him temporarily into
hiding. For fourteen years, while five Tamil Kings occupied his throne, he
wandered often sheltering in jungle caves. It is recorded that as in his flight
he passed an ancient Jain hermitage, an ascetic, Gin called and taunted him.
"The great black lion is fleeing!" Throughout his exile the gibe
rankled. Winning the Kingdom back at last, he razed Giri's hermitage to the
ground building, there the ABHAYAGIRI Monastery. The name is a wry cant on his
own name and the tactless hermit's as well as (meaning mountain of
fearlessness) a disclaimer of his cowardice!</div>
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Next came the heretic king
Mahasena (274 - 301 A.D) who built the Sri Lanka's largest Dagoba JETAWANARAMA
(World Heritage Site) much complicated irrigation system and 16 vast reservoirs
(tank) like MINNERIYA, even today which irrigate thousands of acres of paddy
land.</div>
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Anuradhapura was to continue for
six hundred years longer the national capital. But as the protecting wilderness
round it diminished with prosperity and internecine struggles for the royal
succession grew, it became more and more vulnerable to the pressures of South
Indian expansion; and the city was finally abandoned and the Capital withdrawn
to more secluded fastnesses.</div>
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But the monuments of its heyday
survive, surrounded by such beauties as become the past: the solemn umbrage of
trees, the silence of cold stone, and the serenity of the sheltering sky.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Picture gallery of Anuradhapura </span></b></div>
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</div>nr nilantha madhushanka jayawardenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022124406450768998noreply@blogger.com0