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| Sunday, 15 August 2004 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Namal Uyana : Reclaiming past glory by Shanika Sriyananda
It is a sight to behold. The unfolding glory of Namal Uyana with its world famous pink quartz mountain range. The morning sun casts a mellow glow on the pink quartz creating a halo of sorts that spills over the Buddha statue resting in Samadhi bliss. The soft fragrance of 'Na' flower enhance the serenity to the scenery. Though Namal Uyana, recently declared a National Heritage site, under the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) has become popular among Sri Lankans in recent years, it has a history filled with legend and romance that dates back to the Mogul period. Historical records reveal that Mogul Emperor Shah Jehan built the 'Taj Mahal', his monument to undying love, with the pink quarts mined from this unique mountain range. Research also reveal that the Emperor visited Sri Lanka to check on the quartz personally. The quartz deposit spreading over 105 hectares is the largest in South Asia and is estimated to be 550 million-years-old. The stones belong to a superior stone category and according to research, the mineral known as silicon dioxide is the main component of the pink quartz. Another archaeological investigation revealed it to contain 250 million-years-old plant fossils.
Though the pink quartz range is impressive, what's more fascinating is the Namal Uyana, and the tale of a lone monk, who has been crusading to conserve the forest, especially the 'Na' trees from which the forest has derived its name. Vanavasi Rahula thera, the down to earth monk, custodian of the 'Namal Uyana'. The gateway to the pink quartz mountain range is Namal Uyana, which has hundreds of huge 'Na' tree. Located 159 kilo meters from Colombo, the 260 acre garden, is situated in the remote village of Ulpothagama - Galkiriyagama in the Anuradhapura District. Declared an archaeological reserve on November 12, 2001, Namal Uyana is a valuable site for archaeological, botanical and biological research. During the flowering season hundreds of pure white flowers carpet the ten feet wide gravel road that meanders through the Na forest. Archaeological reserve The Na tree is closely associated with the Buddhist clergy and according to Buddhist literature, two Buddhas - Paduma and Revatha - attained enlightenment under the Na trees. Buddhists believe that the next Maithree Bosath would also attain enlightenment under the Na trees. This Na forest reserve amidst thick jungle, called Na arana in ancient times, was also blessed with the foot steps of the Arahaths. Na, called the Ceylon Iron-wood tree in English, was declared the National Tree of Sri Lanka on February 26, 1986. Two species of Na - batu na and diya na - have been identified in Sri Lanka and has immense medicinal value. According to Buddhist beliefs, the Na tree is a sacred tree and the wood is used only in temples and devalas and not for constructing houses. The Na tree grows like clusters of bamboo plants and during the flowering season, the entire area is bathed in its fragrance. At the centre of the Namal Uyana, a rope ladder leads to a modest tree hut up a mora tree. " That is my 'awasaya' (home)", says Ven. Vanavasi Rahula Thera, who has to constantly battle with treasure hunters and poachers to protect this ancient and valuable archaeological site. "I used to live in this hut, surrounded by elephants, leopards and bears. These animals love this land more than the humans", says Ven. Rahula thera, who also acts as a guide inside Namal Uyana. He recalls his struggle 12 years ago and hardships he had to undergo to protect and conserve this great gift. The thera, lean in build and sporting a craggy heard, dressed in mud coloured robs and comfortable walking in his bare feet epitomises the struggle of a 'vanawasi' Buddhist monk, who has dedicated his life to meditation. "This Na uyana is 2000-years-old and helps purify water and kill germs", he says. According to Ven. Rahula Thera, the Namal Uyana is the largest plant fossil-mine in Sri Lanka dating back to the 1st century BC to the period of King Devanampiyatissa. "There had been plans to build a garden during King Devanampiyatissa's reign and there are archaeological evidences to prove that the forest was a meditation centre for Buddhist priests", he says showing some artifacts of a small ancient chaitya, the ruins of an ancient viharaya, huge stone pillars, a square Buddha statue, a moonstone and a poojasana with the imprint of the sacred foot-print. "These ruins can be studied in two parts. The stuppa belongs to the early Anuradhapura era. The presence of a 'bodhigara' indicates that there had been a very ancient bodhi tree and the stone pillars are the evidences of a 'uposathagaraya' or 'poyage'. The second historical record dates back to King Dappulas' regime. According to archaeological excavations, the buildings were connected to each other and there are signs of an ancient human habitat. The buildings had been located on the South-Western boundary of the pink quartz mountain range. Seventy two stone steps that had been cut to reach them are still in the site", Ven. Rahula Thera says. Valuable plant species Namal Uyana is also a garden for valuable plant species such as ebony, milla, godakirala, panakka, wewarana and halmilla. This garden with a rich biodiversity is a home to rare fauna and flora species. The recorded number of 72 species of medicinal herbs and 18 species of birds, some indigenous, have been found in Namal Uyana. This is also home to 75 species of ants and some rare butterflies. Namal Uyana has sheltered mammal species like elephant, deer and monkey and reptiles, such as chameleon, cobra, mapila, polonga, habarala and kunakatuwa. According to Ven. Rahula Thera, a special oyster, the body covered with a shell and used as food item by ancient people, can be found in this land. It is also a home to indigenous fish varieties. True dedication The true dedication of this monk to protect the historical Na garden and its natural wealth for the benefit of future generations has been honoured with the awarding of titles including 'Parisara Vibbushana', 'Sri Lanka Harith', Indian 'Seda Salu' and 'Parisara Vedi Sasana Jothi' by various environmental friendly organisation. Ven Rahula Thera who unmasked the valuable heritage, which was shielded for years from the outside world pioneered the setting up of Trust for the conservation and development of the Namal Uyana. "We want to complete the Cultural, Educational and Research Centre for the benefit of the school and university students who want to do research on Namal Uyana and the pink quartz. We also hope to provide facilities for local and foreign visitors to Namal Uyana", he says explaining the unique potential of this land for archaeological research. Ven. Rahula Thera requests the public to assist him in the campaign to conserve Namal Uyana and protect the pink quartz mountain range. |
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