Sri Lanka is a country that has long been revered as the heartland of Buddhism. The island has many Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and all of them are unique in their own way. Some, such as the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and Sri Maha Bodhi are well known to Buddhists around the world while others like Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace), Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) may be lesser known but equally interesting for those who wish to explore some lesser-known aspects of Buddhism that have been preserved here over many centuries by dedicated monks and lay people alike. To explore these wonderful places it will be safe to book a hotel in Sri Lanka beforehand.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is a town in North Central Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom from 1055 to 1110, during which time it was one of the largest and most important cities in South Asia.
The city is located on an ancient plain that had been inhabited by humans since at least 1000 BCE. The city was abandoned around 14th century due to invasions from South India and later became overgrown with vegetation until it was rediscovered in 1817 by British explorer Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who cleared some of the jungle away and restored several monuments there before leaving again for England soon after recovering from malaria fever he contracted while exploring this area.
Golden Temple of Dambulla
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a rock temple that was built by King Valagamba in the 5th century CE. The Buddha statue inside the temple is made of gold, as are many other statues and murals within its walls. The temple is also known as the Golden Temple, due to its use of this precious metal in its decorations.
The site itself has been used for religious purposes since prehistoric times, but it wasn't until King Valagamba found an image of Buddha while hunting nearby that construction on what would become one of Sri Lanka's most significant Buddhist shrines began in earnest around 250 BCE (or AD).
Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved Buddhist temples, monasteries, and monuments. The city was originally called Anuradhagama (Sanskrit: "elephant village", Pali: "Elephant-ford") during the reign of King Pandukabhaya (437 BCE - 367 BCE). The Sacred City is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ruwanwelisaya, Mihintale, Lumbini Gardens and Temple Complex, and Abhayagiri Dagaba.
Sacred City of Kandy
The Sacred City of Kandy is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, with many significant temples and shrines. The Sri Dalada Maligawa (Royal Palace) houses the Temple of the Tooth, which contains one of only eight hairs from Buddha's head and has been venerated since it was brought to Sri Lanka in 471 CE by King Kavan Tissa. The Sacred Bo Tree is another important relic associated with Gautama Buddha; according to legend, a branch from this tree fell onto the ground at his feet when he was meditating under it and sprouted roots that grew into a new tree.
The site also contains numerous other sacred places including:
- The Royal Botanical Gardens (established in 1820)
- National Museum (established 1877)
- National Art Gallery (established 1881)
- Independence Square
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa)
One of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. The temple houses an object known as "The Sacred Relic" which is alleged to be one of Buddha's teeth. It is said that this relic was brought from India by Princess Hemamala who married King Vijayabahu I and given to him as dowry along with another relic from her family's storehouse at Anuradhapura. This second relic has been lost over time but its existence is attested by various sources including an inscription on an ancient stone pillar that still stands outside Kandy Fort today.
The main entrance gate into this complex is guarded by two large statues depicting mythical creatures called Naga Yakkhas; one holding a sword and another holding a bowl full of blood (representing death). Inside you'll find several buildings dedicated to different purposes: worship halls where people come together each day; administrative offices where monks manage their daily affairs; residences where they live communally under strict rules established centuries ago--and more recently renovated dormitories built specifically for tourists who wish stay overnight here before visiting nearby wildlife parks during daylight hours only!
Sri Maha Bodhi
The Sri Maha Bodhi is located in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a sacred fig tree considered by Buddhists to be a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree that grew at Buddha's birthplace in the Lumbini Gardens in southern Nepal. The present tree was planted in 288 BC by King Ashoka, who went on to convert to Buddhism and become one of its greatest supporters.
This 1st century BC sapling was brought from India by Emperor Asoka's son Mahinda (who also brought with him Sinhalese monks). According to legend, this tree was grown from an offshoot taken from its parent at Bodh Gaya where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under it 2200 years ago.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. It is the first Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has been formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)
The Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) is a Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura. It was built by King Mahasena during the 3rd century AD and is situated on the south side of Mahavihara, the main monastery in Anuradhapura.
The building has been restored many times since its original construction, but remains one of Sri Lanka's most impressive religious sites. The brick-built structure has been intricately carved with figures depicting scenes from Buddha's life and teachings as well as other deities such as Brahma (the creator god), Vishnu (another creator god), Indra (chief deity of heaven) and Siva (god of destruction).
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. We will continue to add more information as it becomes available, so please check back often!