Kirivehera, the pride of Ruhuna

by Rupa Banduwardena

Kataragama is the most visited city in the South. It is of great religious significance drawing devotees in thousands all over the island. Kiriwehera, the chief Dagaba found in the vicinity is a treasure of southern born proud people of ancient Ruhuna. In close proximity to Kataragama is Kiriwehera, the massive Dagaba with its majestic look, a very popular pilgrim site among Buddhists.

Kataragama Devale, supposed to have been built to honour King Mahasena, Bo trees, Kiriwehera and the Menik Ganga are the famous landmarks., This sacred premises is close to the banks of the Menik Ganga where people flock to bathe before visiting Kataragama. All these reflect the past history and form a part of the ancient heritage. Bo trees are found in the same premises behind the Dewale.

Chronicles record that of the eight Bo saplings that sprang from the main Sri Maha Bodhi were distributed to the other parts of the island and the Bodhiya found in the vicinity of Kiriwehera is one of those off shoots and there is no doubt that it is as sacred as the original tree at Anuradhapura. From the back entrance to the north is the spectacular scene of the shining Dagaba with grandeur and majesty.

The sight with its glittering Stupa stands as an impressive place of serenity and sanctity. This is certainly a Stupa of exceptional historic value that make us proud of our past. Today for Buddhist pilgrims this is one of the 16 most sacred sites (Solosmasthana) they are expected to visit and pay homage to the Dagaba enshrined with the relics of the Buddha.

Historical background

Kirivehera owes its names to its situation. There are many legends attributed to the spot. This is a sacred venue believed to have been blessed by the Buddha on his third visit to Sri Lanka. The Mahawamsa records that the Buddha had preached the Dhamma to King Mahasena at the Royal Park of Kihiri trees, commonly used to indicate a grove of trees where the Stupa was built later. Hence, this came to be known as Kirivehera, deriving its name from the word Kihiri.

It is said that the king was so benevolent and popular that he was respected and honoured as a god and after his death the Mahasena Dewale was constructed in his memory. The Bodhivamsa speaks of eight places where the Bo saplings from the original Sri Maha Bodhi were planted.

All these add to the sanctity of the area. All Buddhists who visit Kataragama worship Kirivehera first and deeply involve themselves in making poojas to the Devale.

History reveals that royalty devoted their utmost support and patronage to build the stupa on the sacred spot sanctified by the Buddha. Unique in human history, much care has been taken by King Kawantissa to built a sacred stupa. He also made a great effort to ensure the strength by building it on a firm footing. It bears a strong resemblance to Tissa Maha vehera, another unique example of Buddhist culture.

The Kirivehera is of massive height with a majestic sight from far. Its cone shaped top with brick and stone architecture enshrining the Buddha's sacred relics, reflect the royal loyalty and valour. Among other unique features of the Dagaba is the most exquisitely embedded Koth Keralla glittering as far as one's eye could see. There had been gates on all four sides.

The outer areas still resembling greenery tell us of the ancient splendour, the prosperity of the area, the hard work of the people and the mighty performance of the royalty playing a dominant role in the religious lives of the people.

This has always received the dedicated attention of the ancient royalty and later the subsequent governments in power. The present government too has done much and generously contributed to the development of the Dagaba, protecting its glorious splendour.

The following is the stanza used for worshipping the sacred Kirivehera:

Munindho nisinno yahing devathaanang
Samethana maggang sudesesi Dhammang
Mahasena devassa sammaana neeyang
Namey kaacharaggama thupassa taanang