Lore of Girihanduseya in Thiriyaya-by M.A.R.Manukulasooriya Source:Sundayobserver Girihanduseya is an ancient Buddhist temple in Thiriyaya, Trincomalee, supposed to have been constructed by two seafaring merchants Thapassu and Bhalluka. The names of the two merchants are recorded on a rock inscription in the temple premises. The names of the two merchants Thapassu and Bhalluka have also been stated in later Sinhala chronicles giving credit to them for constructing Girihanduseya. The stupa in the temple is especially venerated by people as it is believed that hair relics of the Buddha are enshrined in it. The temple is on a hillock near the sea coast, 47 kms to the North of Trincomalee. The summit is occupied by a Vatadage containing the stupa in the centre. The stupa which was originally small had been enlarged in the 8th century AD. The Vatadage covers the stupa with a concentric circles of stone pillars similar to ...

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The Avukana Buddha – a masterpiece of Buddhist art-by ACB Pethiyagoda Source:Island Some of the outstanding contributions to the Sri Lanka heritage are its Buddhist temple art and architecture, statuary, dagabas, dance forms and water and soil conservation ecosystems. Of Buddha statues, the one at Avukana is certainly a masterpiece; hewn out of solid granite it stands 11.3 meters high and 12.8 meters inclusive of the lotus flower pedestal. There are only four other comparable standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka; Rasvehera in Anuradhapura, Maligawila and Buduruwagala in Moneragala and Dova in Badulla. Of these the ones at Rasvehera and Avukana are in the open and to the layman’s eye, there are hardly any signs of damage due to exposure to the elements. The stone carver or carvers names are not known or for that matter in which king’s rule the Avukana Statue was carved. Some think it was during ...

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Jetavanaramaya: the third tallest ancient structure in the world! – By Silkroute Source : Silkroute linkedin Jetavanaramaya is a famous Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest stupas (domed structures) in the world and holds great historical and religious significance. Here are some key details about Jetavanaramaya: Location: Jetavanaramaya is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Construction: The stupa was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273-301 AD) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It took nearly 15 years to complete and stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and architectural prowess. Dimensions: Jetavanaramaya stands approximately 122 meters (400 feet) in height, making it the tallest stupa in the world and the third tallest ancient structure in the world. The base of the stupa covers an area of about 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres). Architectural Features: The stupa ...

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