Sri Lanka The Kande Viharaya1

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When traveling southwards from Colombo towards Galle, passing Beruwala you come across the "Kaluwamodara" bridge which is situated approximately 59 km (36 miles) from Colombo. Turn left upon passing the bridge and travel approximately 1 km towards "Kaalawila" to arrive at the Kande Viharaya. Situated majestically on top of a hill or "Kanda" (hence the name Kande Viharaya), the path that leads to the temple is bordered by rows & rows of trees. Trees which add beauty to the environment & serenity to the hearts & minds of the pilgrims who visit the Kande Viharaya.The Kande Viharaya is also known as the "Aluthgama Kande Viharaya" or "Bentota Kande Viharaya" because of its close proximity to the towns of Aluthgama & Bentota.

The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo (from the Sinhalese Bo) was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree (Ficus religiosa) located in Bodh Gaya (about 100 km (62 mi) from Patna in the Indian state of Bihar), under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher later known as Gautama Buddha, is said to have achieved enlightenment, or Bodhi. In religious iconography, the Bodhi tree is recognizable by its heart-shaped leaves, which are usually prominently displayed. Bodhi trees are planted in close proximity to every Buddhist monastery.

Elephants are part of the fabric of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Two important examples are the elephant-headed Hindu deity, Ganesha, and the white elephant in the conception story of the Buddha. Having an elephant at a temple is meant to bring fortune and good luck. It is also used to draw tourists and locals. Tuskers, or elephants with tusks, are especially prized. Temple elephants are not working directly in the tourism industry, but tourists will often see them in countries such as Sri Lanka and India. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that temple captivity is an unacceptable and unhealthy way to keep an elephant.

Bodhi TreeThe name given to the tree at Bodh Gaya under which the Buddha sat on the night he attained enlightenment (botanical name Ficus religiosa). In the centuries after the Buddha, the Bodhi tree became a symbol of the Buddha's presence and an object of worship. King Asoka's daughter, the nun Sanghamitta, took a cutting of the tree to Sri Lanka where it still grows in the island's ancient capital of Anaradapura.

The Staircase

leading to the statue

adorned with Korawak

Gala (Balustrades)

the Guard stones and

moonstones.

The “Korawak

gala” lies on the sides of the steps

leading to the door or the entrance of

the building.

The Largest sitting Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, at the

Kande Viharaya, Aluthgama

Tallest sitting Buddha statue in

the country (48m / 160ft)

Kande Viharaya is located in Aluthgama, Kaluthra district not much far away from Colombo Galle main road. This temple got its name "Kande Viharaya" (temple on the hill), because it is located at a top of a hill. Kande Viharaya Temple was established in year 1734 and became the regional Buddhist center. The Samadhi Buddha statue was constructed in the recent past and can be visible from a long distance. New Image House is located under this statue and depicts many Jathaka stories and incidents related to the life of Load Buddha.

Text : InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Nicoleta Leu InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Buddhism - Jai Mangal Gatha (Stanzas Of Victory)