THUPARAMAYA

Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration

Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha. It is considered to be the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka following the introduction of Buddhism. This is considered the earliest monument, the construction of which was chronicled Sri Lanka. The name Thuparamaya comes from "stupa" and "aramaya" which is a residential complex for monks.

Thuparamaya dagoba has been built in the shape of a heap of paddy. This dagoba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What is seen presently is the construction of the dagoba, done in 1862 AD. As of today, after several renovations, in the course of the centuries, the monument has a diameter of 59 ft (18 m), at the base. The dome is 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) in height from the ground, 164.5 ft (50.1 m) in diameter. The compound is paved with granite and there are 2 rows of stone pillars round the dagaba. During the early period vatadage was built round the dagoba.

Source: www.3ggems.org

Adam’s Peak Hiking season

Adam’s Peak season, otherwise known as Sri Pada Hiking Season, is in full swing!

The pilgrimage season to Sri Pada began on Unduvap Poya Day in December and peaks in March when villagers harvest their crops and bring along a portion of it to offer at Sri Pada. IT ends on the Poya Day of April 25 2013.

The season is best for fine weather and during the long week-ends and full moon Poya days the trail is densely crowded. The route is illuminated in the season by a string of lights that snake up all way up to the summit to making the celebrated night ascent all the more attractive. All pilgrims trek up wishing to be at the summit at the crack of dawn to witness the magnificent spectacle of sunrise and the shadow of the mountain.

Many pilgrims prefer to make the longer, much more tiring– but equally well-marked and well illuminated – seven- hour climb from Ratnapura via the Carney Estate, because of the greater merit thus gained.

Off-season Trekking to the summit of Adam’s peak (2250 m) in the off-season too is possible. An off-season climb would prove to be novel experience since the mountain is deserted. Seasonal boutiques on the trail being closed and no pilgrims are seen trekking, off-season climb is a lonely affair until the peak is reached. Since the trail can be extremely hazardous during monsoon months (getting drenched in the rain and then getting caught in the wind chill would give you a testing time), it would do a world of good to yourself to select a dry month, July or August.

The mountain is located in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands, in the Ratnapura district of the Sabaragamuwa Province – lying about 40 km northeast of the city of Ratnapura. The surrounding region is largely forested hills, with no mountain of comparable size nearby. The region along the mountain is a wildlife reserve housing many species varying from elephants to leopards, and including many endemic species.

Significance of the Adam’s Peak Adams Peak is Sri Lanka’s Holiest Mountain and each year Pilgrims flock to climb its 5200 steps. Located in a beautiful and fascinating area of the southern edge of the Central highlands of Sri Lanka, the Mount Matterhorn shaped peak has sparked the imagination for centuries.

The most adored mountain of Sri Lanka has been known in several names: Adam’s Peak (the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven), Sri Pada (Sacred Footprint, left by the Buddha) or Samanala Kande (Butterfly Mountain, where butterflies go to die). While some Christians believe the huge ‘footprint’ on the top of the 2250 m peak is that of St Thomas, the early apostle of India, Hindus believe it is of Lord Shiva.

Hikkaduwa,the most beautiful, enchantment Tourism Location in Sri lanka

Hikkaduwa,the  most beautiful, enchantment Tourism Location in Sri lanka

Sri Lankas one of the  most beautiful, enchantment city is Hikkaduwa and is the island's most developed beach resort. It has a range of accommodation, good restaurants and pleasant cafe-lined beaches .Hikkaduwa is surrounded lot of natural resources and her beauty has attracted so many local and foreign visitors throught the year. 
The people are nearly entirely Sinhalese Buddhists. The people are generally warm and friendly. Their social activities are based around family and religious events. There was a clear social structure and some families were obviously a lot wealthier than others

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south cost of  sri lanka and located in the southern province about 20 Km north-west of Galle.It comprise with  beach resort and restourants, shops  guesthouses accomadation, travel arrangements and far more facilities for you.sss The city is perfect for holidays with exciting opportunities to holiday for weekends. The city is popular for excellent opportunities for surfing and turtleswhere one comes

across turtles everywhere in the water. The bus stand ,train station and police station are centered in the city while restorents arearounf them .Weligama and narigama are the close villages to hikkaduwa. Many who comes Hikkaduwa the majority represent beach lovers,  or sea lovers harts attracted by hikkaduwa beach girl. Beside them other preder to surfe in hikkaduwa beach on the breaking waves and some feel the north pure wind and taste the beach sunlight.Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are the major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around.  The coral sanctuary found on the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, witch is home to countless number of colorful fish. • Off the beach there is a collection of tine islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here.There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment. • Plenty of beachfront accommodation and a reputation as the second best surf spot in Sri Lanka by the international board-riding set,the reason so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear Then why you delay ?

The Largest Reclining Buddha Statue In South Asia

 The Largest Reclining Buddha Statue In South Asia 

The road goes up the hill through cinnamon plantations to arrive at the Karandeniya Galagoda Shailatharama Viharaya, which houses the largest reclining Buddha statue in South Asia. Three hundred feet above sea level, the view from this point is a grand vista of the countryside sprawling below.
Inside the hall of the temple lies a gigantic statue - 115 feet or 35 metres in length (the famous reclining Buddha statue of Gal Vihara fame of Polonnaruwa is 46 feet or 14 metres). This statue seems to be made of cement but is supposed to be about 800 years old, belonging to the Dambadeniya period in history, in the reign of King Parakramabahu II.

en. Magala Somananda Thera, chief incumbent of the temple says he believes the Buddha statue had been one of the tasks undertaken in that period. He says it would have been done by Devapathiraja, the prominent chief minister of the King. This minister had been responsible for the construction of many temples down by the coast.

Dr. Vernon Mendis in his book, The Rulers of Sri Lanka, writes that “after the expulsion from the North, the Sri Lankan Kingdom established itself in Dambadeniya in the South West under King Parakramabahu the Second”.
The Chulavamsa records that King Parakramabahu II reigned from 1291-1302.
The Dambadeniya era is between the Polonnaruwa and Kotte periods in Sri Lanka’s history.

Ven. Somananda Thera had come to this temple on the hill six years ago when it was an abandoned shrine, overgrown with jungle. There was jungle all around with wild cinnamon aplenty. The entire hall with the statue had been infested with bats hanging from the ceiling. They had dirtied the statue which was black with bat droppings. The place also had a terrible stench. The Thera had got the statue washed and cleaned and had the bats chased away.
He also arranged for a road to be constructed up the hill and got it tarred. Before this, villagers would come by bus and climb up 208 steps to reach the temple. The steps can still be used by those who don’t come in a vehicle and the ascent begins from Karandeniya.

The soft-spoken monk points out that when he came here, the chest area of the statue and the eyes of the statue had been dug out by vandals probably hoping to find some treasure inside.

There had also been an “Ulpatha” – a natural water spring – in the garden coming from underneath a rock. Elderly villagers remember having a drink here to quench their thirst after climbing the steps. Not so long ago, vandals had blasted the rock and since that day, the spring has run dry.

The statue is so large, that the hall is barely large enough to accommodate it. There are seven doorways to enter this hall just from one side. One cannot go back far enough to be able to get the whole statue into a camera frame. The massive size of the statue takes one’s breath away.

Ven. Somananda Thera believes that when the statue was originally built, it would have been out in the open like at the Gal Vihara. The hall has been built much later. He says that when he was getting little repairs done to the temple, the statue was on rock. His workers had misunderstood him and cemented the floor area, covering the rock. He laments that this was a costly mistake as it takes away the historical value of the place. The monk says that the five door frames (Uluvahu) opening into the outer hall had been turned out in rock and this was an indication that it belonged to a bygone era. The Buddha image depicts the death-bed of the Thathagatha. It is the “Pirinivan Manchakaya” – as the two feet are not symmetrical, being placed alongside, but with a gap lengthwise. Ven. Somananda Thera thus concludes that it is not merely a statue of the Reclining Buddha.

While the inner chamber houses the statue, the outer chamber is also impressive. At either end of the chamber are statues of the two kings Dutugemunu and Elara atop elephants with their soldiers alongside. They seem to be coming forward as if to meet. In between on the sides are ten-foot statues of the past Buddhas and also some of the Arahats. The walls, upto roof-level are adorned with paintings from Jathaka stories.

About 100 years ago, the temple was supposed to have been renovated by a pious villager, Iyonis. It seems such a shame that Ruhuna has overlooked this place of religious and historical significance. It is a place that the country could be proud of, although now lying forgotten and ill-maintained due to lack of funds.

Thanking for Lankika de Livera,Sunday Times, April 23, 2006

World Traveller Magazine Focuses On Sri Lanka In Its “TOP 10 Project” In April 2013

World Traveller Media is a multiple travel media that incorporates World Traveller Magazine, World Traveller TV programmes, World Traveller iphone and Android Apps, World Traveller website and Members’ Club and had been founded in 2000. 

The feature on Sri Lanka is spread over 60 pages out of 208 pages. Out of 593600 copies printed, in Shanghai alone 120,000 copies are distributed with 68,000 through subscription, 35,000 distributed to public places such as libraries. Estimated readership are in the age group of 28 to 40 yrs. 

It features Southern half of Sri Lanka, covering Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle Areas. It recommends a travel route, top 10 of must go places, must buy items, must eat food, spices, must do things, restaurants, hotels, etc.

The publication is a result of a tour made by a team from World Traveller Media Group in December 2012 to Sri Lanka which was arranged by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai as well as provided  guidance and support material. Local arrangements were handled by Olanka Travels and gratis air tickets provided by SriLankan Air.

In addition, the Media Group will run two, 50-minute episodes in 20 domestic channels, including Shanghai Documentary Channel, China Education Television station and channels, in Nanjing, Harbin, Wuhan, Fujian, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Sichuan & Liaoning. (broadcasted in the evenings of Saturdays and Sundays); the views of the programmes are usually older than the magazine readers with a coverage over 20 million viewers, twice.

They have also uploaded "Travel Guide" App in both for Apple system (including iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) and ANDROID system of which the target group usually younger people than the magazine readers. Estimated coverage 200,000 viewers. The travel guide is also available on the web at www.uutuu.com.

When considering the cost for the Sri Lankan side was less that RMB 100,000 where as the publicity value estimated by the company exceeds RMB 27 million.

Overall, the output covers all age groups who are seeking new places to travel for through different media reaching over 20 million people. 

Richmond Castle- A Land Mark Building in Down South-

Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle, built at the turn of the century in Kalutara, is considered one of the most spectacular architectural works of the period. It was the property of a wealthy landowner turned philanthropist, Padikara Mudali Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena. The mansion stands majestically at top of a hill, on a 42 acre estate beside the Kalutara-Palatota Road. Once a circuit bungalow for high ranking officers of the British administrative service, today it is a popular tourist attraction, and serves as an educational centre for less privileged children of Kalutara and the vicinity.

Richmond Castle is a two-storeyed building with 99 doors and 34 windows, decorated with glass panes of exquisite design depicting grape vines. Records indicate that two shiploads of teak were imported from Burma for its construction.It is said that 'Governor George Anderson was requested by the royal family of England to appoint a battalion of 40 soldiers to guard the castle and its occupants. Padikara Mudali, as he was known, had a 12-strong staff known as mudaliyars.

The entire building is characterised by intricate carvings. The timber remains as fresh as at the time of construction. A dancing hall with a stage is another of its features. The architecture shows greater similarity to an English mansion than to an ancient walauwwa.

The gardens which once boasted a profusion of flowers have now given way to trees like coconut, mangosteen, veralu, guava, mango, rambutan and various citrus fruits. The mudaliyar was a lover of nature, and adorned his garden with marble statues, some of which still stand. However he was not happy in marriage, for he was childless. Having ended his marriage, he bequeathed his properties to the Public Trustee for the welfare of the children of the country. He took up residence in a quiet room at the Queen's Hotel, Kandy, where he breathed his last in 1947.

Medirigiriya Vatadage ( Medirigiriya Stupa House )

Medirigiriya Vatadage ( Medirigiriya Stupa House )

This site situated in a beautiful surrounding has a history going in to the pre-Christian times. The brami characters found on the bricks and the some of the stone carvings is an indication of the long history of this site. The first reference to this site in the chronicles is during the king Kanittha Tissa (192-194) of the Anuradhapura Era. Later many kings have contributed to this complex and finally after the invasion of Maga this site too was abandoned when the Sinhalese migrated to the southern parts unable to withstand the torture.

This site was later discovered in 1897 in the middle of a thick jungle by Mr H.C.P Bell and he immediately realised the importance of the site calling it an architectural jewel. Initially the restoration work was done by mainly Muslim labourers as the Buddhist labourers did not want to work at a Buddhist temple for money. This they felt was a sin. This restoration work was finally completed in 1945 and was open to the public giving a glimpse of what this temple would have looked over 1000 years ago.

In 1937, 600 acres were reserved for this archaeological site due to the large number of ruins found in this area. But when this area started to populate with people migrating from various parts of the country, they gradually started destroying and removing these invaluable ruins for sale and as well as to remove any signs of ruins and capture the land. Today only 250 acres remains of the original 600 acres and none of the ruins which filled the landscape around the Vatadage.

Vatadage is a unique architectural building which completely housed the Stupa. These building were constructed at the very early periods as the Stupas in this time were quite small. Remains of such Stupa houses can be found at the following places:

• Anuradhapura : Thuparama, Lankaramaya and Mihinthale
• Rajanganaya : Haththikuchchi Viharaya
• Trincomalee : Thiriyaya
• Pollonnaruwa : Vatadage in the Dalada Maluwa
• Gampaha : Aththanagalla

This Vatadage at Medirigiriya is built on a small rock. The entrance to this is on the northern side. At the bottom of the staircase is a massive stone frame. This is 9’9” feet tall and 4’9” feet in breath. After climbing 27 stone steps you come to a resting area. Thereafter there are 4 more steps to reach the Stupa house. Around the Stupa house is a stone wall which is about one meter in height. On the four sides are four beautifully carved Buddha statues in the seating position. In the centre there has been the Stupa which is in ruins today.

The roof of the Stupa house has been built on three concentric circles of stone pillars most of which still can be seen in the original state. The inner most circle of 16 pillars are 17 feet in height and the other two circles are 16 and 9 feet in height and 20 and 32 in numbers respectively. There are many opinions of what the roof would have looked like by many archaeologists. Some even believe there never has been a roof considering the sizes and the number of pillars. Anyway this site remains a one of the best examples of local craftsmanship of the ancient Sri Lanka.

Other Buildings Around The Main Structure.

In addition to the main Stupa house there are remains of three image houses and a Stupa in this area.

The Stupa house with the Buddha in the resting position

This Stupa house is located is after 16 steps to the Vatadage. This Stupa house is 57 x 36 feet and the image is 33 feet long.

Pichcha-mal Viharaya

There are two other images houses further away from the Vatadage. These are built together and each is 20x20 feet in size. Inside there are five images of Buddha, three standing and two seated. This areas is locally known as the Pichcha-mal Viharaya

Small Stupa

Opposite side of the pathway to the Vatadage entrance is a small Stupa built on a rock. You can get a fantastic view of the Vatadage from this rock.

Ponds

There are two ponds in the area. These probably have been used by the bikkhus who lived in these temples.

Cave

Near the entrance to the Vatadage area is a cave which is thought to be made during recent times or a natural cave.

Hospital

There are remains of an advance hospital in the same area. This is built as two squares. The outer square has 33 stone pillars and the inner square has 20 pillars. There have been three entrances to the building. There are indications that the rooms have had doors. A well preserved medicine boat too can bee seen here.

The Medicine boat

This is a common feature you find in all the hospital of the ancient time. This boat is made out of hard rock so that the medicine would not absorb on the rock. The cavity is built to fit any human.

Stone inscriptions

There have been a large number of stone inscriptions in the area but many have been destroyed by treasure hunters and the villagers around the temple. Only three remains today. Two if them relate to the management of the hospital and the provision of food to the hospital. The third one is in Tamil language.

Toilet

A stone used as a top of a toilet pit can be found on the right side near the main entrance.

Routes To Medirigiriya

Medirigiriya can be reached from Minneriya town on the Colombo - Pollonnaruwa road or from Pollonnaruwa