Namal Uyana, a sanctuary for birds and animals

by Namal Rajapaksa MP

Situated in the approximate centre of our country, the town of Dambulla contains a rich heritage of historic value. Just 15 km away from the Dambulla town, upon arrival at a two-way junction one is presented with a vast acreage of thick wooded jungle of green and encompasses an area of approximately 2,000 acres.

Ven Wanawasi Rahula Thera

Going through Dambulla and heading towards Jaffna on the A-9 highway and on branching off at Madatugama junction and going towards Aadiyagala, one gets on the Galewela - Dambulla highway 91. At the junction, turning towards Ibbankatuwa tank in the outskirts through Komaliya towards Galkiriyagama, and Pubbogama, from there towards Aadiyagala, after a distance of 2 km, one gets closer to the dense jungles.

Turning off at Galewala, through Kalaruwa on the Kekirawa and turning off at Aadiyagala is a closer route to get to the jungle.

Situated in the Anuradhapura district in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat and the Galkiriyagama Police division, sits a beautiful little village named Ulpathgama, which has great historic significance but its importance was not made aware since its close proximity to the scenic greenery of the vast forest area surrounding it. However, those aware of the value of this forest made use of it for the disreputable activities of the illegal feeling of these valuable trees. Some rob the ancient treasures found in caves and in the process, these thieves who have no heart or conscience kill innocent human beings.

When approached from any road, one comes across the famous area of “Namal Uyana”, Asia's largest location containing Rose Quartz. Having a mixture of dry zone and wet zone climates, a visit to this area will envisage an unforgettable never-before-experienced adventure to please the eyes, calm the mind and body. The experience cannot be described in words but must be seen to believe.

Pink quartz

It is said in folklore that the pink quartz contained in “Namal Uyana” was taken to India to decorate and beautify the famous Taj Mahal. This valuable stone is present in approximately 600 acres in this forest and interestingly there is no presence of any common black rock in the entire area which goes to show the natural value of the area and is worth taking note of for posterity.

The known area of Namal Uyana is approximately 2,000 acres and within these boundaries contain national treasures of great value in the form of artefacts and statues is an indication of the beauty of this strategic forest in the years gone by and is worth nurturing for the future generations to come.

Ranavaya is the village situated in the East of Namal Uyana. Sri Lanka's historic event of great Dutugemunu Elara war named “Vijithapura battle” took place in this location and is recorded in the books of history. King Dutugemunu having defeated King Elara in this great battle was able to rule in this region. From Vijithapura to the village of Ranava is roughly 15 kilometres. It is reported that the villagers of Ranava made weapons and took to the battlefield and joined forces with the King's soldiers to support King Dutugemunu in this great battle. The famous ‘Aadiaagala letters” written by King Dappula the fifth is found in front of the ‘Devrada Randaru’ temple in Ranava.

The ‘Aadiyaagala Letters’ contain details of how the King had no power to capture a traitor who entered this village. Namal Uyana which is surrounded by the villages named Morothegama, Ulpathagama, Narangaswewa, Ranava and Dambulluhalmallawewa is not only a sanctuary for birds and animals, but also a place of mental and physical relaxation and meditation for people of all walks of life and is the only such location containing its unique features in the island.

I visited Namal Uyana with the intention of ascertaining the historical significance of this area and wish to inform and educate readers in this historic exercise.

Upon entrance to Namal Uyana, one is privy to a spectacle of Na trees which is a sight to behold.

Na tree

It is said that the famous Ven Mangala-Sumana-Revatha and Venerable Sobitha Theras received enlightenment under the Na tree. Hence, the Na trees have great significance in Buddhist history and worship. History has handed down this reverence for the Na tree to such an extent that when one enters Namal Uyana, travellers have a heightened sense of reverence from deep within leading to a meditative experience.

The fragrance emanating from the Na flowers bring forth a sense of serenity of both mind and body. It also brings to mind the true value of nature and in being one with the environment.

Hence Namal Uyana is Sri Lanka's largest Na tree forest covering approximately 200 acres which is a vista of flowering trees as far as the eye could see. Due to the sheer beauty of this spectacle, the Government through a Gazette notification on April 26, 2005 has declared this sanctuary a protected forest area.

When trekking through the forest, there is a huge “Moragaha” which is reported to have been a contributory factor to the adding to beauty of the Na trees. Namal Uyana was made famous through Ven. ure's ecological balance.

The true spirit of Buddhism is portrayed through this simple example of a tree which unlike man has no enemy and harbours no grudge or takes revenge but instead protects, feeds and shelters both man and beast and is a vital truth enhancing the value of Buddhist teaching.

It is indeed a wonder when one meditates on the fact of how Wanawasi Rahula Thera who is reported to have received shelter under this Moragaha. He was protected by wild animals and vicious snakes by this tree.

Rose Quartz rocks

Although man is destroying nature and plundering the forests by the felling of trees etc. the trees in return only provide shelter and protection to both man and beast and help preserve natthis Ven. Thera lived amidst the dangers and discomfort of a forest in solitary status and yet found peace and contentment amidst the trees, especially living perched on the high branches of the Moragaha.

Historic artefacts

It is a deep seated fact that a true Buddhist knows no fear and is one with nature so that no harm comes to those who do not wish harm to others.“In the same way we preserve and protect the environment we live in, it will in return protect and nurture us. Therefore, I love them like my own children”, said the Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thera.

In the sites containing historic artefacts and statues it is reported that they have been places of religious worship estimated to be during 8 AD.

What we witness today of the sheer beauty, religious and historic significance of Namal Uyana and is portrayed was initially made famous by this bhikkhu. One cannot talk about Namal Uyana without talking of the Ven. Rahula Thera. The true beauty of Namal Uyana and the valuable Rose Quartz is closely linked with an unbreakable bond with this humble bhikkhu.

This 2,000 acre Na tree forest has received world acclaim for its beauty and cultural heritage and has been declared a heritage site has been promoted and nurtured to the public largely due to the untiring efforts of this Ven. bhikkhu who practically single-handedly looked after this Na forest for 22 fruitful years. Ven. Rahula Thera achieved the goal of turning Namal Uyana into a renowned site of religious significance through the inspiration of a dream he had.

This dream became a reality and today is a national treasure and world renowned heritage site.

“The destroying of both trees and wild life is the beginning of the end for mankind. To prevent this from happening, it is vital to nurture and preserve this treasure for the generation to come!

The writer is Chairman, National Namal Uyana Development Trust