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Weligalpotta Aranya Senasana:
Rock temple in forest reserve
Text and pix by K.K.D. Premalal -Matugama Sp. Corr.
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A view of the Stupa.
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We all like to go to a calm and quiet place especially to a religious
place far from the hustle and bustle of the city to console our mind.
Weligalpotta or Yakgirilena Aranya Senasana (Monastery) in Yagirala,
Walallawita in the Kalutara district is one such place.
It is 2,000 feet above sea level. You can reach the place through
three different routes. If you come from Alutgama, proceed to Awittawa
via Leuwanduwa passing Pannila, Ittapana, Loolbadduwa, Udugama and
Yagirala. It is only two and half kilometres from Yagirala.
You can also come from Gulavita covering the same distance. You do
not feel any fatigue as the fresh green trees and creepers give enough
comfort to your weary feet. Those who come in heavy vehicles can use
Thotaha-Walallawita road only upto a certain point beyond which they
have to walk on foot.
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Ven. Haththaka Jinarathana, the sole bhikkhu who lives at the
monastery. |
The Buddhist Aranya Senasana is located on a flat rock covering about
ten acres in the middle of a forest reserve known as Peniyawala
Mukalana. From here Sri Pada can be viewed early in the morning on a
bright day.
It is believed that this was the abode of several Arahants who had
lived in the past.
Ven. Haththaka Jinarathana, the only Bhikkhu who is living there from
1984 said, “I appeal to all devotees who visit this place to leave the
environment as it is without polluting it with all kinds of garbage.
“We have a small shrine room, Dagoba, Bodhi, a hall for serving alms,
a hall for meditation, a 13-feet high Buddha statue, Dharmashala,
Sangawasa and kuti geval (meditation rooms).”
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Two devotees climb the flight of steps leading to the Aranya
Senasana. |
Except for the Katina Pinkama, no other religious ceremonies are held
here. However, the monastery does not have electricity.
If this could be provided, it will be a great service to the
monastery and the devotees who visit the place regularly.
He said that he did not like to go for mega development as it would
take away the serene atmosphere prevailing now.
The Aranya Senasanaya is provided with alms and other essentials by
devotees who visit the place regularly. It is customary for devotees to
stay there overnight and prepare the meals and offer them to the
Bhikkhu.
Weligalpotta Aranya Senasana is one of the most serene places in the
island. The devotees who visit the place carry away pious impressions of
Buddhism and Buddhist heritage.
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