The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in the world. It houses the tooth of Buddha nestled in a golden chamber and is within the premises of the royal palace complex. The ambiance inside is exceptionally cozy and welcoming; it enthralls with the smells of fresh flowers and coconut oil-lit candles and lamps. Within the temple, the daily pujas are carried out on the ground floor consisting of the Pallemaluwa. On Wednesdays, the bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation (scented water and fragrant flowers) takes place. It is called the Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is of substantial spiritual reverence and is distributed among the devotees.
02. Sri Maha Bodhi
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.
This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for for many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks. Today the tree is surrounded by statues, water canals, and golden fences which make the site even more holy and spiritual enhancing its natural beauty. Although the tree is sacred for the Buddhists, many people belonging to other religions also pay a visit to the tree to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty and to get a sense of calm from their day-to-day life.
Another prominent feature is the Prarthana Bo tree. Many devotees believe that this tree has the power to grant the wishes of every person who pays a visit to the complex. The Buddhists make many offerings and vow at this sacred fig tree today. The Sri Maha Bodhi tree is the most sacred tree in Sri Lanka and is revered and respected by Buddhists in Sri Lanka and all over the world.
03. Ruwanweliseya
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.
Today the Ruwanweliseya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Initially, on the outer side of the boundary of the wall is a complete circle of elephants, made out of brickwork. Today there are many renovations that have taken place over time which have made the Ruwanweliseya stupa one of the most revered and influential areas of worship for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
04. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famous Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the ancient city of ruins, Polonnaruwa. Vatadages are typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circular, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas. Currently, there are ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.
This structure is built in Buddulakara or bubble-shaped design and is the perfect example of a typical Sri Lankan Vatadage. The upper part of the structure has been destroyed; only the lower part remains. Many theories revolve around the construction of this monument, but most historians agree with the hypothesis that it was built by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The Vatadage was initially constructed to protect the tooth relic of Buddha and his ten commandments. Buddhists believe that Buddha’s left canine remained even after his cremation, and the country has preserved this relic as their prized possession. This tooth, which was the reason for the construction of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, is now placed in the Temple of Kandy.
The Vatadage protects a small stupa of 8 inches. The structure has two platforms - an upper platform and a lower one. The lower platform is 120 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height, while the top platform is 80 feet in diameter and 5 feet in height. The center of the top platform has four Buddhist statues in dhyana mudra in the sitting position. The four figures are 5 feet tall and face the four cardinal directions. This architecture makes the Vatadage a very typical one, with a charm of its own. The structure and its surroundings emit positivity and are extremely inviting for tourists.
05. Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Matale District, in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is the best-preserved and most extensive cave temple complex of the country comprising of five main caves, each possessing numerous statues of Lord Buddha and some figures of kings and statues of Lord Vishnu.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is a part of the 'Cultural Triangle' in Sri Lanka. The 'Cultural Triangle' comprises the town of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and the city of Kandy.
The Dambulla temples can be reached only on foot by climbing the Dambulla Rock. The climb offers a panoramic view of the flatlands below, and even if it may get tough for some, the temples and the viewpoints are worth the effort. The Dambulla Rock also offers a brilliant view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The five rock caves of Dambulla have different names, and each of them holds a significance of its own embodied in the paintings and sculptures inside the cave. Each of the caves was built at different periods of Sri Lanka's history and will give one an insight into the evolving culture, and that is what makes it the most beautiful heritage site to visit.
06. Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is a Sri Lankan city rich in history and lies between Karunagala and Anuradhapura. A short-lived capital of the country in the 13th century, Yapahuwa was the site of the preservation of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Fortifications and a moat surround the Yapahuwa Rock Fortress which limited the access to the city. A steep stairway that probably led to the Temple of the Tooth is the main attraction of this ancient city. The stairway is adorned with exquisite stone carvings; among them, the Yapahuwa Lion is the most popular and is reminiscent of the Chinese Lion. At the top of the staircase stands an imposing stone doorway, which opens into the now-empty temple. Some historians state that this was the site of the royal palace.
For many years after the invasions, the caves at Yapahuwa were inhabited by Buddhist monks. The Yapahuwa Cave Temple houses remnants of Buddhist sculptures and murals. Also, inscriptions have been found in these caves.
The Yapahuwa Museum has numerous artifacts of the erstwhile capital on display, the most notable among them being an ornate stone window that decorated the top of the staircase. One can also observe Chinese coins here, evidence of the trade relations of the city with China
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