Trip to Katharahgama, Sri Lanka - Part II
Trip to Kataragama
Part II- Kirivehera
Temple and Devalaya
(Visit my previous post for Part I
of this post by clicking here)
Kirivehera Stupa
According
to the history written down in the Mahawansa Chronicle, by accepting King Mahasen’s
invitation, Lord Buddha, followed by 500 Arahant monks visited the King’s Royal
Garden named as “Kihirivane” in Sri Lanka. A golden chair had been kept
prepared in the middle of the Royal Garden on which the Lord Buddha could sit
on and preach a Dhamma Summon (where the stupa is built on now). Additionally, around
Lord Buddha’s chair, the King had also taken steps to prepare 500 seats honorably
for the arahant monks who had arrived with Lord Buddha to his Royal Garden as
per his invitation.
The
King too listened to the Dhamma Summon preached by Lord Buddha and attained
Sovan State (a stage in the chain of attaining Nibbhana). At the end of the
Dhamma Summon, King Mahasen has requested for some memorable treasures which
could be used for worshiping purposes by Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha then, has
rubbed his hand over his hair and gotten two pieces of hair which was then
given to the King. It is believed and also stated in the Mahawansaya Chronicle that
the chair as well as the two pieces of hair are kept safe inside Kirivehera
Stupa (Pagoda).
The
sword (called the “Mangala” sword) that Prince Siddhartha (Lord Buddha’s Royal
name before attaining Buddhahood) utilized during his life at the palace was
initially sent back to the palace by the Prince through his personal minister
when he left the palace to start his journey to find the truth of life at the
age of 29. This sword has been kept protected throughout the years by Lord
Buddha’s relatives as a memory and a historical valuable. However, there is a
belief that this sword was given to one of the persons in the palace for protection
and that the so called protector had arrived to Sri Lanka and handed over this
sword to King Mahasen for better protection, which had thereafter been kept
inside the Stupa while it was constructed by the King together with the two pieces
of hair and the golden chair.
Although
this Royal Garden was initially known as “Kihiriwane”, it was later renamed as
“Kirivehera” as the time passed. These historical valuables bring great
importance to this wonderful island and makes it even more beautiful. As a beginner
in my journey to become a great traveler someday and find valuable facts about
particular landmarks and other places, although I have not yet been capable of
visiting every single place I have wished and wanted to so far due to my
studies and other reasons, I believe that when you know the historical value of
any ancient kingdom in any country that you visit, or any other important
place, it is really fun and amazing to visit such places with a good knowledge
that you acquired beforehand about the place you visit. It brings more feeling
and happiness to be able to learn new things every time you visit somewhere.
It
is even more interesting when you get to meet up with someone who has the same
passion as you and get to talk and share facts about the places you visited in
addition to the beautiful pictures you were capable to capture. However, it is
of importance that you remember to protect and keep the places you visit as clean
as possible so that the future generations will get to experience the same
wonderful feeling you felt when you visited these beautiful places. This is
regardless of who you are and where you visit, whether in your own country or
otherwise.
There
are so many things you see around the temple!
The
oil lamp you see next to the stupa. It is lit 365 days!
The beauty of nature which you get to see around the temple is
exceptional.
Also note, there so many monkeys on trees around the temple, but they
won’t hurt you, they are just watching you ;).
Both are looking at us, do you see the baby monkey?
This is just another part of my visit to Kataragama. There are so many
things that I saw on this visit. Therefore, since it is almost impossible to
write all of them in one post, I have divided them into parts. This is the
second one as you see and thus, the third part which of course is the final one
is on its way. Keep in touch! Hope you enjoyed reading this.
(Watch my video for more pictures which I captured on my trip by clicking here, don't forget to subscribe!...)
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