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| Sunday, 23 January 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Kelaniya, hallowed by the Buddha's visit The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a place which is very much in focus during the month of January, when Buddhists commemorate the Duruthu Poya, the first poya of a new year. The vihara is the central point for the Duruthu Perahera, which is a religious pageant similar to the Esala Perahera in Kandy.
The Kelaniya Vihara is important as it is reputed that the Buddha preached here over 2000 years ago. It is said that the Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the second time, five years after attaining enlightenment. The place he visited was Nagadeepa. The Naga king who then ruled Kelaniya, Maniakkhika was so impressed by the Buddha's sermons that he invited the Buddha to pay another visit to Kelaniya, which the latter accepted. The Buddha visited Kelaniya on a Vesak Poya day three years later.
It is also believed that the Buddha bathed in the Kelani River and adorned fresh robes at the spot where there is a slight bend in the river. The Sivuru Dagoba constructed at this site however, no longer exists. The vihara complex was later expanded and developed by King Devanampiyatissa. During this era, Kelaniya was the capital of the kingdom known as Maya Rata. The site was held in high esteem by all kings who ruled here. According to the Chronicles, Prince Yatalatissa set up kingdom at Kelanipura and built a five-storey complex at the Kelani Vihara. During the reign of Kelanitissa who succeeded him, the vihara housed over 500 monks. King Kanittatissa of Anuradhapura built a poya ge at the premises, while King Voharikatissa built a pinnacle for the dagoba. The vihara was later destroyed by Indian invaders and was in ruins by the Dambadeniya era. It was restored by King Parakramabahu II of Dambadeniya, who also donated land for its upkeep. The Kelani Vihara came into prominence when the kingdom was set up at Jayawardenapura Kotte. It was around this time that it came to be known as the Kelani Raja Maha Vihara. Parakramabahu VI was also responsible for restoring Kelaniya to its former glory. By the time Buwanekabahu VI was in the throne, the reputation of the vihara had spread even overseas, and it became the centre stage for an upasampada of Burmese monks in 1476. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese who took most of its treasures. About 100 years later, it was restored again by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinha with the help of the Dutch. The king gave his support for the reconstruction efforts carried out by Dehigaspe Atthadassi Thera and Mapitigama Rakkhitha Thera, whose students have ensured the continuity of the vihara. The Duruthu Perahera, which is held to commemorate Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka, got underway in 1927.
The Makara Thorana at the entrance to the vihara is also an outstanding creation. The older section of the viharage contains 19th century paintings belonging to the low country tradition. The chamber also contains a huge statue, believed to be of King Maniakkhika. The newer sections of the viharage contains breathtaking paintings by the well-known artist Solius Mendis done over 15 years. These artworks are unique as they depict the important milestones of the Sinhala race from its birth to the Kandyan era, unlike paintings in most other temples which depict only events from the life of the Buddha. The viharage is 160 feet long and 90 feet wide. It is said that all the sins that one accumulated since birth, will be washed away if one worships at least once in the Kelani Vihara. |
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The vihara is popular as a place of worship among Buddhists, as it is
one of the few historical and well-known sites located close to Colombo.
The city of Kelaniya is only about five and a half miles away from
Colombo.
The temple known as Kelani Chetiya was constructed by King Maniakkhika
on the banks of the Kelani River, at the spot where the Buddha is said to
have preached. It is believed to enshrine the stone-encrusted chair on
which the Buddha sat during his sermon.
Today, the Kelani Vihara comprise the dagoba, the bodhi and viharage.
The dagoba is rather unusual as it is hollow in the inside.
