|
|
Go back to Previous page
This sacred place lies seven miles from the city, on a site believed to have sanctified by a visit of the Buddha, with record history going back nearly 2,000 years. The Mahawansa, ancient chronicle of the Sinhalese records that the original Dagaba at Kelaniya enshrined a gem-studded throne on which Buddha sat and preached. The magnificent five-storied edifies which stood there, was desecrated by South Indian invaders. It was restored in the 13th century, and received the care and attention of the Sinhala king, until again it was wantonly destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Little remains of the original buildings. This Dagaba is of an unusual shape, a heap of paddy. This town is most famous today for its image of the reclining Buddha, the many images of Hindu deities and Haga Kings, and the painting which depict events in the life of Buddha, important events in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and incidents from the Jathaka tales-stories of the previous lives of the Buddha. Kelaniya is also an important centre of Buddhist pilgrimage, and is the venue of the annual Duruthu Perahera held in January each year. (More with pictures)
Go back to Previous page