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‘Solosmasthana’, 16 sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

‘Solosmasthana’ are 16 sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, accepted by Buddhists to have been blessed by visits of Gautama Buddha. These spots of sacred are among the most important religious and historical sites in Sri Lanka and are situated throughout the country. Old Buddhist and historical sources of Sri Lanka confirm that the Buddha visited the country at three events. These three visits are given in some detail in the old narrative Mahavamsa, which depicts his journeys to eleven of the Solosmasthana. Different sources, for example, the Pujavaliya, Samantapasadika and Butsarana likewise notice these visits.

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‘Solosmasthana’ are 16 sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, accepted by Buddhists to have been blessed by visits of Gautama Buddha. These spots of sacred are among the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka and are situated throughout the country. Old Buddhist and historical sources of Sri Lanka confirm that the Buddha visited the country at three events. These three visits are given in some detail in the old narrative Mahavamsa, which depicts his journeys to eleven of the Solosmasthana. Different sources, for example, the Pujavaliya, Samantapasadika and Butsarana likewise notice these visits.

Buddha’s First Visit to Sri Lanka

The first visit of Buddha was made to Mahiyangana in the 10th month after the Buddha accomplished enlightenment. The Mahavamsa says that he expelled the yakshas there and sent them to an island named Giri, in this way setting the foundation for the establishment of Buddhism in the country later on, where the Buddha realize that the Dhamma would win “in the entirety of its brilliance”.

Buddha’s Second Visit to Sri Lanka

The Buddha chose Nagadeepa on his second visit to Sri Lanka in the fifth year after accomplishing enlightenment, where he resolved a debate between two Naga Kings Chulodara and Mahodara with respect to a gem-studded chair.

Buddha’s Third Visit to Sri Lanka

Eighteen years after reaching Buddhahood, the Buddha made his third and last visit to the island accompanied by 500 Buddhist monks. This visit was to Kelaniya and was because of an invitation by a Naga ruler named Maniakkika, who had requested that the Buddha come to his realm during the last visit.

After a talk on Dharma at Maniakkika’s residence, the Mahavamsa records that the Buddha visited Samantakuta, Diva Guhava, Dighavapi, and the spots where the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya and Sela Cetiya now stand.

The Samantapasadika makes reference to the that the Buddha also visited Muthiyangana during this visit. It is possible that different destinations might have been included for Solosmasthana due to the monumental stupas constructed by Buddhist Kings at these locations.

The downfall of ‘Solosmasthana’, 16 sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka

With the destruction of the old kingdom of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the vast majority of the Solosmasthana was abandoned. It was only after the twentieth century that every one of them got the consideration of the Sangha and Buddhists in the nation and were renovated. A Pali gatha, commending the Solosmasthana, is being used among Buddhists. This gatha, which records the Solosmasthana, is all presented particularly while making offerings to the Buddha.

‘Solosmasthana’, 16 Buddhist sacred places in Sri Lanka

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara

Constructed during the lifetime of Buddha, it is the very first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka. The temple enshrined a lock of hair given by Buddha to Saman, a nearby tribal leader and later a Buddhist god, during his most memorable visit to the island, 9 months subsequent to achieving illumination.

Nagadeepa temple

Constructed during the lifetime of Buddha, it is the very first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka. The Stupa of the temple is built with a lock of hair given by Buddha to Saman, a nearby tribal leader and later a Buddhist god, during his first visit to the island, 9 months subsequent to achieving illumination.

Kelaniya temple

Worked by Naga King Maniakkika, this Buddhist temple was, consecrated during the third and last visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka,  The stupa is believed to have been built enshrining a gem-studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached.

Sri Pada / Adams Peak

One of the tallest mountains on the island is believed to be visited by Budha on his third visit to Sri Lanka. At the top of the mountain is a Buddhist temple, where sacred left footprints are imprinted bu Buddha. During the ring of King Vijayabahu, he built a resting house for the pilgrims.

Diva Guhawa

The stone cave is believed to be the place where Buddha spent the day after placing his footprint on Sri Pada. Diva Guhawa is still not unidentified.

Digavapi Temple

The temple is believed to be built by King Saddha Tissa enshrining the relics of the Buddha. The site of the temple is identified as the place where Buddha spent some time while meditating with other monks.

Muthiyangan Raja Maha Vihara

Muthuyangana temple is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka and it was built by King Devanampiyatissa, enshrining relics of Buddha. Buddha had visited the temple.

Tissamaharama temple

Located in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama temple believed to be built by King Kavna Tissa, is one of the largest Stupas in southern Sri Lanka.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Jaya sri maha Bodhi of Anuradhaoura is a sapling taken from the sacred Bo-tree in Bod Gaya in India, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The sapling was planted in the royal pleasure garden during the reign of King Devanampiyatiss.

Mirisawetiya

The Stpa was built by valiant King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. The stupa is believed to be enshrined in the relic-studded sceptre of the King.

Ruwanweli Stupa

The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also called the Mahathupa, is a stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Two quarts or one Dona of the Buddha’s relics are deposited in the stupa, making it the biggest collection of Buddha’s relics anyplace. It was built by Sinhalese king Dutugemunu in c. 140 B.C, who became Ruler of Sri Lanka after a conflict in which the Chola King Elara was defeated.

Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is the earliest reported Buddhist Stupa in Sri Lanka. The constructed date of the temple dates back to the time of Mahinda Thera (Mahindagamanaya) and the introduction of Buddhism to the island.

Abhayagiri stupa

Abhayagiri Vihāra was a significant temple of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism that existed in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is perhaps the broadest ruin on the planet and one of the most sacred Buddhist temples for devotees in the country.

Jetawanaramaya

The gigantic ancient stupa was constructed under the guidance of King Mahasen and finished by his successor Sirimeghawanna. The Buddha’s waistband is believed to be enshrined in the stupa.

Cela Cetiya /Stupa

Cela Cetiya is built at the site where Arahat Mahinda met King Devanamapiyatissa, and where the King was converted to Buddhism. The Urna Roma, the sacred hair relic between the eyebrows, is said to be enshrined here.

Kiri Vehera

Tucked away in the deep south of Sri Lanka, Kiri Vehera is another popular site believed to be visited by Buddha.

First, it was constructed by King Mahasena, the temple enshrines the golden seat, from which Buddha delivered a sermon, a lock of hair and the so-called “Magul Kaduwa” or royal sword utilized by Prince Siddhartha Gautama to trim off his hair at the hour of the great Renunciation

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