Pilgrimages
Sri Lanka is known for its rich Buddhist history & culture. Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, and, has since been the major religion of the country; with over 70% of its population being the Therada Buddhists. With a rich legacy of Buddhism for over two millennia, Sri Lanka is an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists across the world. Also, Sri Lanka plays a significant role in the Hindu mythology and is home to some Hindu pilgrimages.
Here are some of the important pilgrimage sites of Sri Lanka:
Anuradhapura
A UNESCO Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is home to the “Atamasthana”- the eight venerated places visited by Buddha during his visits to Sri Lanka. These include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama.
Dalda Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Located in the Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this striking pink-painted structure with a surrounding moat is home to the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha and is one most the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world.
Kataragama
Located in the Uva Province; Kataragama is a renowned pilgrimage destination for the Hindus, Buddhists and the aboriginal Vedda people of Sri Lanka. The deity worshipped in the temple complex is revered by Buddhists as Lord Kataragama while the Hindus revere him as Lord Murugan.
Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada
This tall conical mountain, located in the Central Province is a major pilgrimage destination for three religions in Sri Lanka. A depression resembling a huge footprint is located near the summit of this 2,243 meters high mountain. The Buddhists venerate it as Lord Buddha’s footprint while the Hindus & the Muslims consider it to be Lord Shiva’s & Adam’s respectively.
The Golden Temple of Dambulla / Rock Temple of Dambulla
The Golden Temple of Dambulla & its exquisite cave complex has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. The devotees climb barefoot up the slope & steps to reach the cave complex which is home to a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in different sizes depicting various poses; the highlight being a 15 meter long reclining Buddha. The walls and the ceilings of the caves are covered with vividly painted murals & frescos depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple is a must visit for all.
Bogoda Bridge and the Temple
The ancient covered bridge of Bogoda by the cave temple of Bogoda is a major cultural & pilgrimage destination in Sri Lanka. The bridge, elegantly supported by 11 pairs of exquisitely carved pillars and a railing of banisters, is built across the Gallanda Oya and is considered an ancient route linking Badulla and Kandy.
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala literally means and is “the rock with the statue of Buddha”. The rock in the shape of kneeling elephant its head down; is carved with seven figures including a colossal 51ft statue of Buddha. The statues belong to the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
Dhowa Cave Temple or Dhowa Raja Maha Vihara
This historic temple, dating back to the 1st century, was once the sanctuary for King Valagamba during his exile from Anuradhapura. A 38 ft Buddha statue sculptured from a rock and stunning paintings in the Kandyan style of art are the highlights of this cave temple.
Maligawila
This Buddhist pilgrimage, located in the Uva Province, is famous for the 38 ft free standing statue of Buddha carved in Limestone. Sculpted in the 7th century AD by Prince Agrabodhi, the Maligawila Buddha attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Dambegoda
Situated within a kilometer of Maligawila, Dambegoda is the site for 10 meters high image of Maithree Natha Bodhisattva, sometimes known as Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva. This is believed to be a mythological divine being that chooses to live amongst the humans to help them attain moksha or salvation.
Muthiyanganaya- Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
Located in the center of Badulla, Muthiyangana is one of the most venerated Buddhist pilgrimages. The glorious Muthiyangana Stupa was built by King Indaka; consecrating some hair and Mukthaka Dathu (drops of sweat turned in to pearls) of the Buddha on the site where Lord Buddha preached his sermon. The area also has relevance to Hindu Mythology as the land where the battle of Ramayana was fought.
Nagadeepa or Nainativu Island
Connected to Jaffna with a series of causeways, this tiny island, 15 miles off the Jaffna coast, is a major pilgrimage for both the Hindus & the Sinhalese. Shree Nagapooshani Amman, Hindu temple and Nagdeepa Purana Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist place of religion are located on two opposite jetties of the island.
Pada Yatra
The foot pilgrimage or the Pada Yatra, originating from Jaffna province to Kataragama along the east coast, is one of the oldest & sacred traditions of Sri Lanka. The long & arduous march which takes around two months; begins around May & ends in July when the devotees join in the celebrations of the famous religious festival- Kataragama Esala Perahera. Pilgrims from India often participate in this devotional walk.
