Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Somawathi Chethiya






















































Somawathiya was built in 2 nd centaury BC and this stupa is said to enshrine the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

According to chronicles, prince Giri-aba and princess Somawathi (sister of King Kavanthissa) lived on a small community called "Somapura" on the beds of Mahaveli River. Price Giriaba constructed Somawathi Chethiya on the request of his wife who wanted to engage in religious activities. Upon completion of the Stupa, the prince requested a monk named Mahinda for some "dathu" to be kept in the relic chamber of the stupa. Maha Thera Mahinda gave him the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

According to history this tooth relic was received by a "Na" (serpent) king Jayasena when the remaining relics from the Buddha"s cremation site were distributed. He took this to the "Naga Lokaya" (the kingdom of serpents) and deposited it in a stupa made out of gold for worship. When the prince Giriaba"s request was made, the maha thero Mahinda visited the "Naga" Kingdom and brought this tooth relic to be deposited in the stupa built by the prince.

Upon completion of the stupa and five viharas the prince and princess handed over the temple to Mahinda maha thero and sixty other monks. Thereafter many kings have contributed to this centre in many ways.

According to the historical documents the Somawathiya was built on the eastern bank of the Mahaveli River. But today it is about ½ km from the west bank of the river. Though this caused confusion whether this is the real Somawathi Stupa described in the chronicles, it was later realised the river has changed course during the last 800 years and in fact the current sandy road leading to the Somawathi was the path of the river some 800 years ago.

The site was rediscovered in 1940's and in '48 renovations were started by group of enthusiasts. In 1964 archaeologists started excavating the site. While excavating the main stupa, a smaller stupa at a depth of 5 feet 5 inches in to the main stupa was found. It is believed this smaller stupa was the original Somawathi Chethiya build by prince Giriaba in the 2 nd century BC and the latter stupa build around the original was the work of King Kanittha Tissa in 164 AC.

Archaeologists also found four moonstones and flower pedestals after excavating the earth for 5 ½ feet around the stupa. They also unearthed six 3 ½ feet long "siripa gal" (rocks carved with the bottom of the feet of Buddha). In addition to these many buildings has been unearthed including a wall surrounding the stupa.

Nine stone inscriptions have been found around this site and the most popular is the four inscriptions found on the Eric Swan rock. This rock can be seen few metres away from the gravel road, about 100 metres before the main entrance to the temple. This rock got its name because a photographer called Eric Swan who was killed by a wild elephant near this rock.

Today Somawathi is popular for three main reasons.

  1. Somawathi holds one of the only two tooth relics of Lord Buddha existing in the world. The other tooth relic is kept at the "Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy.
  2. Incredible unnatural phenomena which has been accruing around the stupa .These have been witnessed by thousands of pilgrims
  3. The remoteness of the location. This site is located deep inside the jungle infested with elephants and other wild animals.

LTTE Terrorist Attack on Somawathi in 1987

In 1987 a group of LTTE terrorists attacked this holy grounds hacking to death a Buddhist monk and seven civilians who were residing in a close by temple. Learning this news from a Muslim civilian the pilgrims and the monks in Somawathi went in to hiding in the jungle and after several days walked to a temple in a residential area.

Few days after, on 15 th of December 1987, these terrorists came to the Somawathi and found it deserted. They stole the "Chuda Manikya" (the large gem stone placed at the very top of the stupa) and the dug a hole of about 1 ½ feet deep in to the stupa in search of valuable relics. Then they marched in to a Sinhalese village nearby where a man called S. Dissanayake lived. He was the caretaker of the holy site since 1966. The (LTTE) terrorists hacked to death 10 civilians in this village including S. Dissanayake and his four children. On the same day the leader of this terror group died at the stupa by mistakenly firing his own weapon. For some strange reason they also didn"t take the "Chuda Manikya" they stole which was later found by the archaeological department.

After these brutal murders, this site was left unattended due to fear of further terrorist attacks and was in this state for the next 15 years. After the ceasefire agreement between the LTTE and the government, the gravel roads were reconstructed and open to the pilgrims in 2002.

Unexplained phenomena on this holy ground

When it was discovered that the right tooth relic of Buddha was deposited in the relic chamber of this stupa, Diyawadane Nilame of the Kandy Dalada Maligawa (Appointed Guardian of the other existing tooth relic) Giragama Nilame, went in search of this stupa with four people from Kandy and four villagers from Pollonaruwa. They were guided by a Muslim man called Mutti. The purpose of this journey was to dig in to the stupa"s relic chamber and bring the right tooth relic to Kandy to be kept with left tooth relic already kept under his guardianship at the Dalada Maligaya. It is said that the Muslim guide lost his sight on the day they reached the stupa and the Diyawadane Nilame stated digging the stupa. After a little while a small cobra has come out of the hole. They killed it and started digging again. After digging a little further in, a large black cobra has appeared with a large number of wasps. Fearing an attack they ran and the Diyawadane Nilame later died of a wound caused when he fell over while running.

In recent times thousands of pilgrims have seen beams of lights originating from the stupa going towards the sky and colour of whole sky changing to a yellowish colour making all the white cloths worn by the pilgrims appearing yellow. One significant difference of these unusual occurrences in this site is that most of these happen on special ceremonial days where there are thousands of pilgrims at the site to witness these events. It is also said that the sounds of drum beats originating from the belly of the stupa can be heard on some days.

In 1977 (30 th June) similar beams of light were witnessed on the ceremonial day where special relics were to be deposited on the relic chamber of the stupa. This happened at 7.20 am and was witnessed by thousands including officers of Sri Lanka Radio Corporation who were there to report on the event.

Similarly on the July 4 th in 1981 the President of Sri Lanka Mr, J.R. Jayawardhana came to Somawathi to ceremonially open the "Kotha" of the stupa. As soon as they arrived at the site, at about 2 pm the whole sky became yellow and the sun looked like the moon. Multiple colours started appearing around the stupa. All the white cloths worn by the people appeared yellow. The president was supposed to uncover the "kotha" standing on the ground using a rope running to the top of the stupa. After witnessing this phenomena he decided to climb to the top using a temporary stairway built for workers and uncover the kotha.

On the 28 th April 2002, a similar occurrence happened in front of thousands of pilgrims. This time it was continued for over 45 minutes, the longest time this phenomena continued. This was also witnessed by the sister and the brother of J.R. Jayawardhana who were there to pay homage to the chethiya. Again the same thinApril 7, 2007n poya day and continued for about 3 minutes.

These unexplained occurrences has made the Somawathi Chethiya even more mystic and holy to the Buddhists who flock to the site specially on Poya days.

Access to the site

Until recently access to this site was restricted due to LTTE terrorist activity. It was the Sri Lankan Forces who protected this site when civilian were evacuated after brutal murder of the monk by the LTTE. But with the new ceasefire agreements pilgrims have started to flock to this temple in numbers. The gravel roads are now motorable during the dry season. During rainy season only tractors and large four wheel vehicles can travel on these roads.

Sungawila is the last town and border village you come across on the route to Somawathi. After this town you come to the Somawathi strict natural reserve and wildlife sanctuary. From here 12 kilometres you need to travel on a lonely dusty unpaved road which will take you through the jungle and villus to the great isolated dagoba. The last stretch is basically a elephant country. If you travel on this stretch during early morning or late in the evening, you are sure to come across few wild elephants. Wild elephants are a common site in the temple grounds during the nights. They have got used to visiting the garbage cans left by the cadjan stalls on the temple grounds. Therefore the owners of these stalls make sure to put at least a bunch of bananas in to the garbage cans. As long s there is some food in the cans they would leave the occupants of the stalls unharmed.

This site can be reached from Pollonnaruwa or from Minneriya. Coming from Minneriya, you have to pass the Higurakgoda town to reach Sungawila. From pollonnaruwa, you need to turn at the Hospital Junction (between pollonnaruwa and Kaduruwela towns). The distance to the stupa from both these towns (Minneriya and Polonnaruwa) is about 40 kilometres.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

waterfall srilanka

Bopathella waterfall
The Bopath Falls cascades in the shape of a bo (Ficus religiosa) tree (hence its name) and is the most comprehensively studied fall in Sri Lanka. Its source is the Kurugana River that later joins the Kaluganga River at Kurugaomaodara.The average temperature of the area is 26.9 - 27.8 degrees Celsius and the annual rainfall of the fall’s catchment area is 5080mm. The mean speed of the flow is 6 cubic metres per second. The upper reach of the fall is made up of granite and biotite virin, and is covered by sand. The water from the fall irrigates the paddy fields of the Udakada and Kuruwita areas.











BAMBARA KANDA FALL
TheThis fall, due to its sheer drop of 241m, is the highest in the whole of Sri Lanka. Set amid an evergreen forest, it is formed by the Uduweriya Haputale mountains’ Kuda Oya (river), a tributary of the Walawe River. It cascades in a torrent (especially in the wet season) from a rocky outcrop into a deep, basin-like pool. To the left of the fall, centuries of wind and rain have formed what is said to resemble two embracing lovers out of the rock.

Bambarakanda Falls is situated in the Badulla District, Handumulla PC. From the Colombo - Badulla highway, turn left for Weerakoon village and continue for 5km to the fall. The terrain is relatively difficult, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Belihul Oya rest-house is 18km away, and Koslanda rest-house is 27km. World’s End, another of Sri Lanka’s major natural tourist attractions, is just 18km away.

DUNHINDA FALL This is considered to be one of the most enchanting falls in Sri Lanka and is in close proximity to Badulla town. The water resembles a thin cloud as it cascades 63m downwards into a large pool. The backdrop to the fall is known as ‘Dunhinda Adaviya’. ‘Dunhinda’ translates to ’spraying/vapour waterfall’ - the word ‘dun’ means ‘gave/was given’, while ‘hinda’ means ‘evaporate’.

both native and foreign visitors. On the approach to the fall, there are a large number of unauthorized pitches put up by traders. Visitors who patronize these stalls often carelessly throw away rejected food, polythene and other refuse on the site surrounding the fall. To aggravate the problem, illicit logging is carried out in the reserve causing an environmental nightmare. Urgent conservational measures are required. Dunhinda Falls is 5km from Badulla town and from the main highway it is a tortuous 1km walk. The Ella rest-house is 29km away.






-->

Bakers Waterfalls
Baker's waterfall is one of very beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
This waterfalls is height about 22 meters. It is very beautiful because in various corners we can see various sceneries. The waterfall like steps, In top side we can see a pool and this point fall divide more than thousand of parts and made beautiful scenery in middle of the fall. Below the middle of fall there has another waterfall. It also very beautiful. Include all things and fall become the most beautiful waterfallin Sri Lanka.

There has the tree which inside of Baker's Waterfall. It gives more valuable to fall. You can't take a photo without this tree. This fall is situate at Horton plains If you travel to visit Worlds End via Horton plains don't miss to visit this place. Some person has missed to visit this place because they don't think there has very beautiful and very big this type of waterfall. How we believe this.
Bakers waterfall is Not a one and only waterfall of Horton plains. It is a most beautiful waterfall of Horton plains. Don't bath at this waterfall. You can travel any season of the year to this. You can camping at inside of Horton plains. First you should get permission from wild life department of Colombo.
Some young go to bath in this place and they lost there valuable life. Mr. Samuwel Bakers who is British hunter had come to this place at 1845 AD. There fore this waterfall identifies Bakers waterfalls. There is a deep hole at the middle of this waterfall. There fore don't try to bath in this waterfall because many young's are dead at this place.

Dhuwili Waterfalls
Dhuwili Ella of Balangoda Sri Lanka is a very high and a beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. Dhuwili Ella is at Kalthota which is Hambegambuwa road of Balangoda. There are about 27 kilometeres from Balangoda town and you have to walk 3kms from Kalthota. Dhuwili Ella is situated at below of Samanala Wawa Wally. Samanala Wawa means Wally which is like a butterfly. Main entrance of Samanala Wewa is at Belihuloya and Pambahinna. Samanala Wawa is situated at 8km Distance from Sabaragamuwa University. University of Sabaragamuwa Sri Lanka is also at Kumbalgama road which is direct to Samanala Wawa. Dhuwili Ella waterfall is very beautiful and large amount of water falls down from it every second. There fore not suitable to bath at this waterfall. Belihuloya has the No.01 in World pure waterways. There are many sub waterfalls at this region. Denagama, Denagamoya, Imbulpe, Uggala Kalthota and Uggal Aluth Nuwara are some other places seen at this region.How to get thereYou can reach Dhuwili Waterfalls from Balangoda - Kalthota road. 27 Km from Balangoda.





Diyaluma Fall this is the third highest fall in Sri Lanka. The torrent of water cascades down to the Koslande Plateau and during rain it is a spectacular sight. Sadly, this enchanting fall visible from the Koslande highway may disappear due to frequent landslides. On one side of the fall the land is covered in deciduous plants. Wildlife found in the area include lizards. The fall is located along the Koslande - Welawaya road in the Badulla District. Koslanda is the nearest town to the fall, 6km away, and Welawaya is 13km away.
















Devon Waterfall Devon waterfall of Sri Lanka is one of very beautiful waterfall of Sri Lanka and which is situated at Thalawakale of Sri Lanka. This falls is high above 1159m from sea level. This falls at between Thalawakele and Hatton and situated at about 7km from Thalawakele town. This waterfall is height about 98m. Easily view this waterfall from main road (A7) of Thalawakele to Hatton. .
Devon waterfall is at Pathana area of Thalawakele and very closed to St. Clair waterfall. Mlesna tea center is at closed to Devon waterfalls and there are no more rest places at Thalawakele place.
There are two main view points at A7 road of Thalawakele. Lower view point is special because both St.clair and Devon falls can be viewed from same place. In Railway viewing point is at Watagoda place which is at 10km from Thalawakele to Nanuoya side.
Devon is very beautiful waterfall and don't dirt this place
LAKSHAPANA FALL
This very popular 129m fall is thought to derive its name from the presence of iron ore (laksha) in the rocks over which the water flows.
The fall was said to house a labyrinth of tunnels, one of which still exists. Superstitious villagers tell how during Halloween, a golden melon bobs up and down in the water.


The Laksapana Reservoir, where the fall is found, is used by power stations at New Laksapana, Canyon and Polpitye Samanala resulting in a certain amount of water depletion. A number of villages including Laksapana, Pathana, Kiriwaneliya, Muruthatenna, Kottalena, Hunugala and Belumgala surround the fall.
The fall is 660m above sea level in the Nuwara Eliya Ambagamuwa Korale at the Ginigathhena Divisional Secretariat. The most convenient route is the Hatton - Maskeliya road. Take this road for 18km from Hatton, where a footpath leads down past the Pathana village to the fall. Alternatively, take the Laksapana road from the Kaluganga River junction for 14km to the Laksapana Temple. The fall is just 2.5km from here. The closest town is Ginigathhena, and the hotels of Dick Oya are 50km away
St. Clair Waterfall St. Clair waterfalls is at Thalawakele Sri Lanka. It is very beautiful and wide waterfall of Sri Lanka. Some tell that St. Clair as little Niagara. St. Clair has several stairs. St. Clair is at St. Clai estate of Thalawakele. There fore waterfall also identified as St. Clai. Devon waterfalls also at closed to this waterfall. St. Clai is at 4km from Thalawakele town to Hatton road. There are main view points at main road although you can go down to the tea estate for beautiful views. This falls can be viewed clearly on the railway also. Some tourists visit this waterfall on the way to Nuwaraeliya.








Ravana waterfall

Ravana waterfalls is one of very beautiful of Sri Lanka and which is situated at Badulla district and you can visit it Near Ella place. This waterfall is situated near the Bandarawela-Wallawawaya road. When you travel along this way you can see nice waterfall called Ravana falls.
Ravana means ancient story of India and Sri Lanka. We can identify that this fall also has long history. Without special reason the name isn't kept. There fore we can't think that Ravana falls hasn't long history.
Middle of the Ravana fall there is a tunnel. People cant though it but in King Walagamba's time they might through it. Some people tried to through it although they couldn't get permission. Near Ravana falls there is a Temple called Dova Temple. This temple also has same tunnel. Some says that those tunnels are not two those are only one. Some says that there are tunnel system to protect king and others. Various places of Badulla district has these type of tunnels. Dova Temple was made by King Walagamba in 13th Century.
Dowa king Walagmba ancient Temple and there were very secret tunnel system at between those places. In now some tunnels are there. Through the tunnels is some what dangerous.
Dova Perahara at every year to Kumbalwela and Bandarawela.

Ramboda waterfall
Ramboda waterfalls is situated at Ramboda of Nuwaraeliya district of Sri Lanka. Ramboda is at between Nuwaraeliya and Gampola towns. There are about 35km to Ramboda from Gampola town. Ramboda waterfall is at downside of the main road and it cannot see from the main road. You should you down to the main road at Ramboda bridge of Nuwaraeliya Kandy main road and then you can visit the Ramboda waterfall. Ramboda waterfall is not a single waterfall and it has two staires. Up side of the main road of Ramboda place, There is a another waterfall. Most of tourist dismiss the waterfall and they visit up side waterfall and go away. But dont forget to visit Ramboda main waterfall at downside of the Ramboda of Nuwaraeliya Sri Lanka.