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, Sri Lanka – By VINDANA Hewage Source : VINDANA Hewage linkedin Sri Lanka’s sacred city of Anuradhapura is an unlikely place to be enmeshed in a fantastic tale of UFOs and otherworldly happenings. Locally known as Rajarata (Land of Kings), the Unesco World Heritage Site was the first established kingdom on the island (in 377 BC) and is at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture. Today, it’s one of the nation’s most visited places, attracting devoted pilgrims from around the country to its ancient Buddhist temples and giant dome-shaped stupas. But this holy city is also home to something far more curious. Here, in Ranmasu Uyana (Golden Fish Park), a 40-acre ancient urban park surrounded by three Buddhist temples, is a chart that’s alleged to be a map to unlock the secrets of the Universe. Measuring around 1.8m in diameter, Sakwala Chakraya (which translates to “Universe Cycle” in Sinhalese) is shallowly ...

Sep 14, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged ancient Buddhist temples, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Buddhist culture, World Heritage

“Damila Maha Seya” – incomplete archaeological site By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in the ancient city complex of *Polonnaruwa covering an area of approximately 1.6 hectares (four acres), “Damila Maha Seya” also known as “Damila Thupa” or “Demala Maha Seya” is an incomplete stupa constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) utilizing labor of Tamil prisoners brought from India when he attacked the *Chola Kingdom of South India. Due to some unknown reason, the King had been unable to complete the Stupa. This stupa is similar to *Kota Vehera in Dedigama and *Yudaganawa Stupa (considered as the location of King Parakramabahu’s mother’s cremation). This gigantic incomplete stupa is located between *Gal Viharaya and *Thivanka Pilimage and is at present, a protected archaeological site. Scholars are of the view that, although, King Parakramabahu I has planned this 12th century stupa of 186 meters (570 feet) height as the world’s largest ...

Sep 8, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, Damila thupa, Demala Maha Seya, Gal Viharaya, Jethawanarama Complex, King Parakramabahu, Mahawamsa, plonnaruwa ancient places, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Thivanka Pilimage, Unagala Vehera, UNESCO

Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge – skilled craftsmanship of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Centuries ago, Sri Lankans had well-planned infrastructure, irrigation systems including well-constructed tanks supplying water for agricultural purposes, architectural marvels such as cave temples, dagobas (stupas), well-designed palaces, meditation houses, audience halls and a superior road network as well as bridges… During the early period of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, the main administrative centers were *Anuradhapura and Magama in *Ruhuna with a highway linking these two cities. A road network also connected Anuradhapura with Jambukolapattana (Dambakola Patuna) in the Jaffna Peninsula, Mathota or Mahatitta (also known as Manthai) near Mannar and *Trincomalee (known as Gokanna). These three ports served as the most significant trade centers. Anuradhapura-Dambakolapatuna Road was via the villages of Rambeva, Omanthai, Pavatkulam and Vavunikulam. There were several stone bridges including those in close proximity to Anuradhapura over the Malwathu Oya (“Oya” meaning stream in Sinhala) and another ...

Aug 31, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged agricultural purposes, ancient Sri Lankans, Anuradhapura, architectural marvels, Bridge at Mahakanadarawa, Galpalama, Mahakanadarawa Stone Bridge, Mahakanadarawa Wewa, Malwathu Oya, meditation houses, Mihintale, Sri Lanka, tanks supplying water, Tiriyaya, Trincomalee

Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya – location of pre-historic frescoes – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Surrounded by huge boulders and thick forest, a prominent Buddhist sacred place situated approximately 40 kilometers north-west of Anuradhapura, peace and serenity prevail in Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya (Viharaya meaning temple in Sinhala). Constructed in the 3rd century BC and utilized by *King Devanampiyatissa as a one-day shelter for *Arhath Theri Sangamitta on her way to Anuradhapura, the Temple has developed from a small temple to a large monastery by the end of the *Anuradhapura Period. The easiest access from Anuradhapura is to travel along Mahavilachchiya road. The Temple and the surrounding area are full of ruins including two stone statues and several stone ponds. There is also an archaeological museum at Thanthirimale. Initially, known as “Upastissa Gama” as the area was first occupied and developed by Upatissa, a minister of King Vijaya (c.543-c.505 BCE) who chose the location ...

Jul 21, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, aya Sri Maha Bodhi, King Devanampiyatissa, Kudakongaskada Wimalagnana Thero Arhat Theri Sangamitta, Mahamewna Gardens, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Sri Lanka, Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya, Upastissa Gama

Rose quartz mountain range – largest in Asia – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Nestled in the vast ironwood forest (popularly known as “Na Uyana” or “Jaathika Namal Uyana” due to its vast range of Na trees – Mesua ferrea), the oldest and largest man-made forest in Asia and situated in close proximity to *Dambulla, the rose quartz mountain range also known as “pink quartz mountain” (known as rosa thiruwana kanda in Sinhala) comprises seven mountains. According to scholars, the rose quartz mountain range enclosed in Namal Uyana is over 500 million years old. The rose quartz mountain is the most well-known and unique attraction of the heritage site. Vistas of the breathtaking splendor of the pink quartz mountain range is a unique experience. There is no presence of common black rock in the entire area. Although, quartz crystals are common in many parts of the world, this deposit is renowned ...

Jun 15, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, Ceylon, Dambulla, Jaathika Namal Uyana, King Dappula IV, King Devanampiyatissa, Na Uyana, rosa thiruwana kanda, Venerable Wanawasi Rahula Thero

Buddhist Railing at Jetawana Monastery – unique structure of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located approximately 120 meters south of Jetawanarama (also known as Jetawanaramaya stupa or Buddhist reliquary monument) and located in the ruins of *Jetawana Monastery in the UNESCO world heritage city of *Anuradhapura, there is a structure known as “Buddhist Railing” which has been researched and analyzed by many scholars, authors and travelers from the period, the British discovered it in the 1800’s. This site is enclosed by a large railing made of stone slabs and pillars. According to the Archeological Commissioner’s Report of 1890, *H.C.P. Bell has discovered and restored this unique site. According to scholars, the stone fence is a Buddhist motif found in ancient Buddhist architecture including *Sanchi in India. According to *Mahawamsa, there had been a *Bodhi tree inside this structure and King Dappula II (797-801) had donated a golden Buddha Image ...

Apr 16, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, H.C.P. Bell, Jetawanaramaya, King Dappula II, UNESCO

Hatthikucchi Viharaya – ruined ancient temple complex framed by rock boulders By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in a spectacular setting, enclosed by rock boulders, Hatthikucchi Viharaya (Viharaya meaning temple in Sinhala), the ruined ancient temple complex is situated on the northern border of the North Western Province, approximately three kilometers from Padeniya – Anuradhapura (A28) road. Within an area of approximately 120 hectares, Hatthikuchchi Aramic complex is also referred as “Hastikuchchi”, “Hasti Kuchchi” and Rajanganaya Ruins. But the site is well-known as the location, the exiled *King Sirisangabo (251 – 253 AD) offered his head to a pheasant. ‘Hatthikucchi’ (meaning ‘Elephant Stomach’ in Pali), the Temple is thus named due to a large rock inside the Temple Complex which resembles an elephant. According to historical records, the Complex is considered to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC) and is considered as one of the oldest Buddhist temple complexes ...

Feb 23, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, Attanagalla, elephants visit, Hatthikucchi Viharaya, King Sirisangabo, Kurunegala, Padeniya, Rajangana Ruins, Sri Lanka, Temple Complex

Gal Potha (Stone Book) – inscription of yore By Arundathie Abeysinghe Gal Potha (Stone Book), a renowned inscription describing tasks of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) of *Polonnaruwa Kingdom, considered as an inscription of self-appraisal (of King Nissanka Malla) is a massive slab 8.2 meters long (26 feet 10 inches) and 1.4 meters broad (4 feet 7 inches). Gal Potha is placed between the eastern outer wall of *Hetadage and *Sathmahal Prasada. The text in the Inscription is written in three columns and contains over 4300 characters in 72 rows. The letters of the inscription have been gilded with molten iron. The stone slab is an inscription about King Nissanka Malla, his rule, his heroic and altruistic deeds including his contribution to develop Polonnaruwa Kingdom as well as his eligibility for assuming the position of a king. Scholars are of the view that Gal Pota had been done during the ...

Dec 17, 2021 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, athmahal Prasada, Gal Potha (Stone Book), King Nissanka Malla, Ola leaf, Polonnaruwa Kingdom

Ranmasu Uyana – paradigm of garden architecture By Arundathie Abeysinghe Parks were a prominent feature of city planning during Ancient Kingdoms even before Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during the era of King Devanampiyatissa (247 BC – 207 BC). According to chronicles, after the arrival of *Arhat Mahinda, King Devanampiyatissa had donated these parks to Buddhist monks to be used as Buddhist hermitages. According to chronicles, Ranmasu Uyana (meaning Gold Fish Park) had been used as a pleasure garden (Magul Uyana in Sinhala) for the sensual enjoyment by royals, an alternative to those donated to Buddhist monks. The Park has beautiful, plants, trees, vines as well as flowering shrubs as described in literary texts of Sinhala Literature, beauty and elegance of yesteryear. According to Professor Senake Bandaranayake, former Professor of Archaeology: “Sri Lanka is perhaps the only country in South Asia where we still have substantial archaeological remains ...

Jan 25, 2021 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, Arhat Mahinda, Arundathie Abeysinghe, Bawa Chakra, Isurumuniya Monastery, Mahawamsa, Ranmasu Uyana, Sakwala Chakraya, Vessagiri

Flying to the Northern Warfront in the 1990s Part 2 – by Dr Gamini Goonetilleke Source: a surgeon’s tales “reminiscence of a surgeon” – dr gamini goonetilleke Personal Experiences in Managing Battle Casualties in the North The care for the injured soldier is an essential element of soldier morale and has been, for centuries in warfare. It is of utmost importance to make sure that medical facilities are available to soldiers when they were injured. It has also been shown that the availability of effective medical care improves combat performance and that their sacrifices are appreciated. In my previous post, I dealt with the necessity of civilian surgical teams flying to the war front in the North and the issue of managing the armed forces personnel injured in conflict at the Base Hospital, Palaly, situated within the High-Security Zone in Jaffna. The Armed Forces did not have adequate surgical teams ...

Jan 9, 2021 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Anuradhapura, Gamini Goonetilleke, injuries, Sri Lanka Air Force