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  Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharya

 

M

y home town is Kalaniya . I'm proud to say that so toady I'm gong to talk about Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharya one of the most importent place in my home town. The significance of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharya as the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka can be explained by the visit of mighty Buddha. 

Kelaniya has been a very large city in the past with Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharya as its largest and most mesmerizing temples of Sir Lanka. This beautiful temple is located approximately six miles from Colombo within a sacred area of around ten acres; it also is situated beside the Kelani River which reflects the traditions of Buddhists in the country.

The spot of the temple derived its sanctity in the Buddhist era 2351, with the third and final visit of the Buddha to Sri Lanka. During his visit he hallowed the ground on which the temple stands, with the company of 500 Arahants. This event took place eight years after Buddha had gained enlightenment. Thus the history of the temple goes back to before 500 BC. The visiting of the spot by Buddha on a Wesak day, on the invitation of King Maniakkhika has caused that temple to be a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.

During the Kotte era the temple flourished but in the time of the Portugese Empire most of the land was lost. In 1510 when the Portuguese entered, they destroyed the sacred temple and confiscated the land, preventing the Buddhists from worshipping in the temple. However, under the Dutch Empire the temple was rebuilt under the orders of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha, where new land was also provided. With the help of Helena Wiiewardana the temple was restored in the half of the 20th century. 

The temple is known for its image of the sprawling Buddha and paintings that paint the major events in the life of Buddha. These events are vital in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, along with being a part of the Jataka tales. The temple is the locaction for the Duruthu Maha Perehera procession on the January of each year. Moreover an eighteen stone statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara has been placed at the temple that makes it attractive to tourists and especially many of the Buddhists from all over the world. There is also a 2500 year old relic chamber that is believed to contain the throne made out of gold and jewels on which Buddha sat to teach, along with Buddha’s hair and utensils.