Anuradhapura

This city situated in the North Central Province, was the capital of ancient Ceylon, where the ancient places of worship are situated. It is demarcated as the sacred city and is well guarded, while the offices, bank, Trade Centers and hotels are located in the New Town.

There are 8 main places of worship known as Atamasthana.
They are :-
Sri Maha Bodiya
Ruwanweliseya
Thuparamaya
Lovamahapaya
Abhayagiriya
Jetavanaramaya
Mirisavetiya
Lankaramaya

Sri Maha Bodhiya - During the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, Arahath Sanghamitta Theri brought here a branch of the Bodhi Tree under which Prince Sidddartha attained enlightenment. This is the oldest living tree in the world in documented history and this tree was planted at Maha Mevuna Uyana and today it is one of the most sacred places of the Buddhist in Sri Lanka.

Ruwanweliseya - After King Dutugemunu became the lord of entire Sri Lanka he erected may buildings, among them Ruwanweliseya is the best known. This is also known as the Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya and Rathnamali Dagaba. Inside this Dagaba are enshrined valuable gems, statues made out of gold, various valuable objects and also relics of the Buddha. On the four sides of the Stupa are the frontispieces (Vahalkada). The pinnacle of Ruwanveliseya is 24 ft. in height. The crest gem on the pinnacle is a gift from Burma. Ruwanweliseya is situated a few yards away from Lovamahapaya.

Thuparamaya - Arahath Mahinda Thera introduced Theravada Buddhism and also Chetiya worship to Ceylon. King Devanampiyatissa, built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered as the first Dagaba built in Ceylon.

Lovamahapaya - Is situated between Ruvanweliseya and Sri Mahabodiya. In ancient times the building included the refectory and the uposathagara. As the roof was covered with tiles made of bronze, this was known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. There are 40 rows, each row consists of 40 stone pillars and a total of 1600 stone pillars were used for the building. The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.

Abhayagiri Dagaba - Was built by King Valagamba. In 103 A.D. after defeating the Tamils this King demolished the Nigantaramaya (the temple of the Niganthas) and built the Abhayagiri Vihara in the same premises. Most learned bhikkhus lived in Abhayagiri Vihara and it consisted of a large library. It is recorded that during the reigns of King Voharakatissa and King Gothabhaya this library was destroyed and the monks were driven away. King Parakramabahu renovated Abhayagiri Vihara. The relics of the Buddha are said to have been enshrined in a figure of a bull, made out of thick gold.

Jetavanarama - King Mahasen (273 - 301 A.D.) has the honour of being the creator of the largest stupa in Ceylon. A part of a sash (belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be enshrined here). Its height is said to be 400 feet. This is considered as the largest stupa in the whole world.

Mirisaveti Stupa - King Dutugemunu after defeating King Elara, built this Stupa. The extent of the land which, belongs to this Stupa is about 50 acres. Although the Kings Kasypa I & V renovated this from time to time, it was dilapidated and today it stands under construction done by the Cultural Triangle Fund

Lankarama - This was built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada.

Isurumuniya - Is situated near Thisawewa and was built by King Devanampiyatissa. After 500 children of high caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside. The carving of famed Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there.

Magul Uyana - The ancient Magul Uyana is situated close to Isurumuni Vihara and Tisawewa. According to legend it is believed that Prince Saliya met Asokamala in this garden. This is not a place of worship.

Queen's Palace - Is situated near Ratna Prasadaya. The largest and the most beautiful moonstones can be seen here.

Sela Cheitya - Is one of the 16 main places of worship and is situated to the west of Jetavanaramaya.

Kuttan Pokuna - The most magnificent specimen of bathing tanks is the pair known as Kuttam Pokuna at Anuradhapura.

Samadhi Statue - Is built at Anuradhapura in the Mahamevuna Park. It is believed that this is one of the best pieces of sculpture. The statue is 8 feet in height and made of granite and the Dhyana Mudra is symbolized - the posture of meditation in which Buddha sits as Padmasana (cross-legged) position with upturned palms, places one over the other on the lap.

Avukana Buddha Statue - Is situated in Anuradhapura district and could be reached by travelling along Kurunegala-Dhambulla road off Galewela on the Kalaweva road. This is approachable by train too. This standing Buddha statue including the pedestal is 42 feet in height. The height is 38' 10". It is believed that King Dhatusena the architect of Kalawewa is the builder of the statue. This is one of the magnificent statues of ancient Ceylon.

MIHINTALE & Other places of inerest

Eight miles east of Anuradhapura, close to he Anuradhapura-Trincomalee road which is about 1000 feet in height, and is one of the peaks of a mountainous range. This is popularly known as - the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka where Thera Arahath Mahinda first met King Devanampiyatissa. It is stated that King Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara & 68 caves, for the Bhikkhus to reside in.

Other places at Mihinthale

Kantaka Chetiya - It is stated that King Suratissa may have built this sthupa.
Ambasthala Dagaba
The cave of Arahath Mahinda
Maha Sthupa
Aradhana Gala
Naga Pokuna
Kaludiya Pokuna

POLONNARUWA Is the medieval capital of Ceylon where art, architecture and engineering were revived into a cultural epoch, is a monument to Sri Lanka's great renaissance. After the decline of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Polonnaruwa become the next seat of rule.

The Statue of King Parakramabahu - North of Potgul Vihara on a slight elevation is a statue of granite 11.5 feet high probably a statue of Parakramabahu bearing on his hands an object like an ola leaf. The figure with a long beard has a dignified expression and a majestic bearing. Some believe it is the figure of a Hindu saga.

Other places of historical interest in Polonnaruwa

King Nissanka Malla's Council Hall.
The palace of King Parakramabahu the Great.
Quadrangle of the Temple of the Tooth.
Vatadage with its Relic House encircling a stupa.
Atadage.
Sathmahal Prasada- A square pyramidal tower of seven diminishing stages, hence its name.

Gal Viharaya - Three colossal figures caved on the face of the living rock represent the type of image of the Polonnaruwa period. A sedant Buddha, A standing figure with arms crossed over the chest in sorrowful countenance. A recumbent Buddha depicting the Parinirvana or Passing away of the Buddha.

Galviharaya is assigned to Parakramabahu the Great.
Thivanka Image House
Lotus Pond
Other places close to Polonnaruwa

Dimbulagala Forest Hermitage - Made a place of religious worship by King Viyayabahu is situated 5 miles from Polonnaruwa, regarded as a hermitage up to the present day.

Somawati Stupa - Constructed by King Valagamba, in memory of his wife. It is supposed to contain a Tooth Relic of the Buddha, enshrined in this stupa.

Medirigiya - 15 Kilometers from Hingurakgoda has a Vatadage and ruins of a hospital.

KANDY - and its vicinity

The Temple of the Tooth - The Tooth Relic was brought to Ceylon from Kalinga by Princess Hamamali and Prince Danta in the reign of King Kitsiri Mevan. The Tooth Relic is considered the symbol of Kingship and became the most sacred object of worship in the island. The Tooth Relic was taken to several places by kings. King Vimaladharmasuriya I brought it to Kandy where it still remains venerated by thousands from all corners of the world. The temple was built by him was renovated by his son King Narendrasingha and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe. King Sri Wickramasinghe built the octagen known as the 'Pattirippuwa.' The Tooth Relic remains in the inner old shrine. Rituals are enacted daily to venerate the Relic. The legendary festival, the Perahera, is conducted each year in July/August led by the Dalada and followed by four other Devales. This procession, the most magnificent and holiest of festivals is an unforgettable spectacle of unsurpassed grandeur, witnessed by the thousands, spectators both from this island and from far distant countries.

Medawala Vihara - 10 Kms from Kandy is popular for its wall paintings.

Aluthnuwara Devale - Situated of the Colombo-Kandy road and was constructed by King Parakramabahu IV.

Embekke Devale - Famous for its superb wooden pillars intricately carved.

Lankatilaka Viharaya - Built of stone with rock inscriptions and stone pillars. Here is the Gaja Sinha carved on stone with the face of an elephant and body of a lion. The lacquered doors, wall murals and carved stone friezes and worth seeing.

Embekke, Lankatilake and Gadaladeniya - are all on the same road, off the Kandy-Colombo road turning off at the 65th miles post.

Degaldoruwa - Ancient temple situated 3 miles from Kandy, across the river. The Cave Temple was constructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe and has valuable paintings and frescoes.

MATALE

Aluvihare - This temple is of historic importance as it was here that the Tripitaka was written down on Ola leaf during the reign of King Valagamba.

Nalanda Gedige - One of the earliest buildings of stone constructed in Ceylon.

Rangiri Dambulla - Donated to the Bhikkhus by King Saddhatissa. The temple is on a vast rock mass about 175 ft. in height. There are five caves turned into shrines with numerous images of the Buddha. The ceiling is covered with paintings. In one of the caves is a spring where drops of water that trickle from the roof never get dried even during the drought or does not increase during the rainy season. Water drops into a large bowl that collects the water.

SIGIRIYA

A massive rock fortress steeped in history replete with legend, betrayal and love, where King Kasyapa built his hideout palace on the summit of the rock nearly 3 acres in extent. On the Mirror Wall are found world famous frescoes called the Sigiri Graffiti. The other features are, the underground surface drainage system that is of a high standard and the pleasure gardens studded with ponds, islets, promenades and pavilions.

The Sigiri rock itself is similar to a lion sprawing on the ground with its paws, which is the entrance to the climb. The name Sinhagiri or Sigiri is derives from it.

OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND

Ridi Vihara - On the Kurunegala - Rambodagalla route. Ridi Vihara gets its name from the fact that silvers were found in this cave.

Yapahuwa - Yapahuwa is the second ancient rock fortress after Sigiriya and about 300 ft in height.

Munneswaram Devala - This is situated 11.5 miles from Chilaw and venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Procession of the Devala takes place in August annually.

PLACES OF WORSHIP IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE

KATHARAGAMA

There are 5 places of worship - Kirivehara, Maha Bodhiya, Kataragama Devala, Sella Katharagama and Vedihitikanda.

Kiri Vehera - Constructed by King Parakramabahu the Great 95 ft. in height with circumference of 280 ft.

Bo-Tree - This is one of the Bo-Trees planted from the 8 seeds of the Jayasri Maha Bodhiya at Anuradhapura.

Maha Devale - The main Devala is dedicated to Skanda Kumar who is also known as God Kataragama. On this premises there are also three other Devales - Gana Devale, Vishnu Devale and Suniyam Devale. There are many legends connected with God Katharagama. The Katharagama procession is held in August annually. Special features of this annual festival are fire walking ceremony, Kavadi dance lying on steel nails and hanging from steel nails, rolling round the Devale premises, pricking the body with thorns. Pilgrims do these acts to fulfil their vows. Associated with Kataragama are Sella Kataragama and Vedihitikanda, visited by devotees of all faiths.

TISSAMAHARAMA DAGABA

This is one of the 16 great shrines in Sri Lanka constructed by King Kavantissa. It is 186 ft in height 550 ft in circumference and is said to consist relics of the forehead of the Buddha enshrined, enshrined in the Devala. Lord Buddha attained a state of tranquility at this site on his 3rd visit to Ceylon. It is also believed that inside the dagaba is enshrined a tooth relic of the Buddha.

There are some other places of worship such as Sandagiri Dagaba, Yatala Menik Vihara and Kirinda Vihara

Situlpahuwa - It is an important place of worship in Ruhuna and believed to be constructed by King Kavantissa. This mountain peak is considered a health resort and thousands of bhikkhus have been residing here.

Devundara Devale - This Devala is situated in the far south close to Matara. The annual feature of the Devale is the Esala Procession.

Weherahena Maha Vihara at Matara- This unique place of Buddhist worship a mile from Matara Town was built during the 20th century. The seated large Buddha statue is 88 cubits and is one of the largest statues in the world. The image house is built underground, known as "Umang Vihara".

Other places of interest are :

Veurukannala Maha Viharaya - on the Dickwella - Beliatta Road

Buduruwagala - On the Wellawaya - Hambantota Road, turning off at the 3rd milepost are 4 rock-cut status. One statue of the Buddha is 43' 3" in height. This remarkable creation of the Mahayanist of Rohana may be ascribed on grounds of style to the 8th century A.D.

EASTERN PROVINCE

Digavapi Dagaba - Situated in the district of Ampara is built by King Saddhatissa. It is said that the Buddha along with some Arahaths, attained a state of tranquility (Samadi) here. It is one of important shrines in Ceylon.

Seruwila - Is located in the Trincomalee district. It is believed that King Kavantissa built this Dagaba and relics of the forehead, of the Load Buddha is enshrined in this stupa.

PLACES OF WORSHIP IN THE UVA PROVINCE

Mahiyanganaya - Is one of 16 sacred places of Sri Lanka and it was the first place visited by the Load Buddha to settle a dispute between the Yakkas. This Dagaba was built where the Buddha seated during the visit. Based on documentary evidence God Saman, enshrined the hair relic of the Buddha. The stupa is 7 cubits in height. It is recorded that out of 8 seeds from Sri Maha Bodi, one was planted here. Load Buddha, 9th months after the enlightenment visited here on a full moon day. A procession is conducted annually which last for 5 days.

Mutiyangana - One of the 16 sacred places, is situated in Badulla district, built by King Devanampiyatissa.

Sri Pada - The sacred footprint, which is respected by all followers of all religious, is situated on the peak of Samanala Kanda. This is also known as Adam's Peak, Sivanadi Padam, which is 7360 feet above sea level. The season to climb this Peak begins in December and ends in April. This is also one of the 16 sacred places of Sri Lanka.

NORTHERN PROVINCE

Nagadipa - Is in the Jaffna Peninsula, in the island of Nainattiu is situated this Vihara. This is also one of 6 sacred places in Sri Lanka. It is believed, on the 5th year after enlightenment, Buddha visited Nagadeepa to settle a dispute between two Naga Kings.

THE CAPITAL AND THE SURROUNDING PLACES OF WORSHIP

Kelani Vihara

It is believed that on the 8th year after the enlightenment of the Load Buddha on a full moon day of Vesak, he visited Kelaniya on an invitation of a Naga King. A gem studded throne is enshrined in this Dagaba. It was built by King Yatalatissa. Height is about 80 ft and circumference is 180 ft and shape is of a heap of paddy. This Viharaya is also one of 16 sacred places. A procession is conducted annually in the month of January with pomp and glory.

Bellanvila Rajamaha Viharaya

Is situated in Dehiwela area and as recorded one of the 32 seeds from a branch of Sri Mahabodiya was planted here. Bellanvila Esala Perehera is conducted annually with its great splendor. The Vihara is now completed with a shrine, Bo-Tree, residential facilities for monks, pilgrims rest, Devale and an information & Book Center.

Other places of worship in the capital

Asokaramaya - At Thimbirigasyaya
Esipathanaramaya - On Greenlands Road
Raja Maha Viharaya - Kotte
Gangarama Viharaya - Colombo 2

Part of the information is Courtesy of www.lanka.net