5/5 Roshan Kalpa T. 2 years ago on Google
Miraculous
and
Marvelous
temple
referred
to
as
the
Bellanwila
Rajamaha
Viharaya,
with
a
heritage
of
glorious
history,
stands
out
as
the
most
historic
and
significant
among
the
many
temples
in
the
island
today.
Situated
on
the
Dehiwela-Maharagama
road
about
two
kilometres
away
from
the
Colombo-Galle
highway
in
a
scenic
location,
originally
surrounded
by
green
fields,
this
powerful
enchanting
temple
is
among
the
oldest,
dating
back
to
the
Anuradhapura
period.
The
earliest
available
documentary
source
for
the
history
of
the
temple
is
one
of
the
early
chronicles
–
Bodhiwamsa.
From
what
can
be
gathered
the
history
of
the
temple
dates
back
to
the
Anuradhapura
period
during
which
time
Theri
Sanghamitta
brought
with
her
a
branch
of
the
Sri
Maha
Bodhi
under
which
the
Buddha
attained
Buddhahood.
Bodhiwamsa
speaks
of
40
places
where
the
Bo
saplings
from
the
original
were
planted
and
Bellanwila
is
clearly
stated
in
the
list,
leading
to
a
definite
conclusion
regarding
the
origin
of
this
sacred
temple.
Whatever
this
may
mean,
it
cannot
be
denied
that
this
temple
is
a
sacred
place,
as
sacred
as
the
place
where
Buddha
attained
his
enlightenment.
When
examining
the
history
of
the
temple
it
has
been
classified
into
3
phases.
The
period
associated
with
the
planting
of
the
Sri
Maha
Bodhi
during
the
Anuradhapura
period,
is
the
first
phase.
The
second
phase
begins
with
the
reign
of
Sri
Sangabodhi
Parakramabahu
of
Sri
Jayawardenapura
Kotte,
a
generous
supporter
of
Buddhism,
who
patronised
the
temples
of
the
area.
The
third
or
the
modern
era
begins
with
the
re-discovery
of
the
temple
by
the
Thera
Thengodagedasra
after
the
dark
ages
subsequent
to
the
Portuguese
conquest.
There
is
difference
of
opinion
regarding
the
name
as
expressed
by
researchers
of
repute.
The
general
accepted
view
is
that
Bellanwila
literally
means
a
pond
consisting
of
Bellan
(a
kind
of
snails)
which
is
supported
by
a
pond
located
in
the
centre
of
lush
green
paddy
land
in
the
east.
As
you
enter
the
temple
premises
on
your
right
there
is
the
building
which
house
the
dieties
of
Vishnu,
Eeshwara
and
Ganeshwara.
There
is
a
small
statue
of
Buddha
too,
very
similar
to
the
Mahamewna
Samadhi
Pilima.
Behind
this,
is
the
most
venerated,
historic
Bodhiya
with
its
outspreading
branches
as
if
it
is
bestowing
compassion,
loving
kindness
and
patience
to
its
worshippers.
Right
round
the
Bodhiya
are
found
the
small
Devalayas
housing
the
symbolic
images
of
gods
such
asKataragama,
Saman,
Vibheeshana,
Huniam,
Dedimunda,
Natha
and
Paththini
Matha,
once
again
depicting
the
architecture
of
the
Polonnaruwa
period.
Early
morning
is
the
best
time
to
worship
in
quiet
serene
surroundings
and
engage
yourself
in
meditation,
Pirith
chanting
and
worship
to
your
heart’s
content.
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