Somawathiya Chaitya is a Buddhist temple and stupa located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. It is believed to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha. Here is a detailed article about Somawathiya Chaitya, covering its history, culture, main attractions, activities, weather, food, accommodation, and how to reach.
Introduction: Somawathiya Chaitya is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of King Dutugamunu in the 2nd century BCE, and it enshrines the right tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple is situated on the left bank of the Mahaweli River, and it is surrounded by lush green forests.
History and Culture: According to the ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka, the Somawathiya Chaitya was built by King Dutugamunu to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple was renovated and expanded during the reign of King Kasyapa in the 5th century CE. Later, during the 12th century, the temple was abandoned due to invasions by foreign armies. However, the temple was rediscovered and restored during the 20th century.
The main stupa of the temple is about 50 feet high and is built of brick and clay. The stupa has been painted with white lime, which gives it a beautiful appearance. The temple also has a sacred Bo Tree, which is believed to have grown from a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
Flora and Fauna: The temple is located in a natural forest reserve, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The forest reserve is dominated by dry zone vegetation, including Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), and Ehela (Cassia fistula). The forest reserve is also home to a variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, deer, and monkeys.
Main Tourist Attractions: The main attraction of the Somawathiya Chaitya is the ancient stupa, which is believed to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha. Visitors can also see the sacred Bo Tree and the ancient ruins of the temple. There is a small museum near the temple that displays artifacts related to the history and culture of the temple.
Activities: The main activity at the Somawathiya Chaitya is worshiping the Buddha and offering flowers and incense. Visitors can also take part in meditation and mindfulness practices at the temple. The surrounding forest reserve offers opportunities for bird watching and hiking.
Weather: The weather at the Somawathiya Chaitya is hot and dry throughout the year. The temperature can range from 25°C to 35°C during the day, and it can get cooler at night.
Food: There are several food vendors near the temple that offer traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, including rice and curry, string hoppers, and roti. Visitors can also find small restaurants in the nearby towns.
Accommodation: There are several guesthouses and hotels in the nearby towns, including Polonnaruwa and Mahiyangana. Visitors can also find camping sites near the temple.
How to Reach:
The Somawathiya Chaitya is located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. Visitors can reach the temple by car or bus from the nearby towns of Polonnaruwa and Mahiyangana. The nearest airport is in Colombo, and visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
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