Pilgrimages

Sri Lanka, with its rich legacy of Buddhism, is a major pilgrimage site on the travel map. In the 3rd century BC, King Devanampiyatissa embraced Buddhism, which has since become the most followed religion in the country. With over 70% of the Sri Lankans, mostly Sinhalese, following Buddhism, Sri Lanka is certainly a Buddhist’s Paradise. However, the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, practicing Hinduism, has given way to some important & well-visited Hindu pilgrimages in the country.

Here are some of the significant pilgrim destinations of Sri Lanka:

Anuradhapura
One of the capitals of the ancient Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura holds a special place in Buddhist pilgrimage as “Atamasthana”- the eight holy places visited by Lord Buddha. These sacred places include Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya , Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Jetawanarama, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Mirisaveti Stupa and Lankarama. Anuradhapura, with its exquisite temples, stupas, and ruins & relics, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dalda Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
This palatial temple, located in Kandy, is one of the most visited pilgrimages of Sri Lanka. A tooth of Buddha, taken from his funeral pyre & smuggled to Sri Lanka, is enshrined in the temple. Kandy has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site chiefly due to the presence of this temple.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla/ Rock Temple of Dambulla
This elaborate cave complex and temple, built in the 1st century BC, is one of the most popular Buddhist pilgrimages. The cave complex, covered in exquisite murals & frescos, house 157 images of Buddha in various sizes & poses, including a 15 meter long reclining Buddha statue. Accessible only through an up slope and a series of granite steps, The Golden Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak
A major pilgrimage destination in the Central Province, the impression of a large footprint on this speak is revered by the Buddhist as that of Lord Buddha while the Hindus & the Muslims believe it to be the footprint� of Lord Shiva’s & Adam’s �respectively. Thousands of devotees throng the site and climb over 5000 steps carved in the mountain to reach this picturesque & sacred destination.

Dhowa Cave Temple or Dhowa Raja Maha Vihara
The beautiful temple in the cave complex near Bandarawela dates back to the 1st century BC. Once a sanctuary for King Valagamba during his exile; this beautiful structure boasts of an ornate gateway and a 38 ft image of Buddha carved from a rock. The walls & ceilings of the caves are embellished with stunning paintings.

Maligawila
Located in the Uva Province, Maligawila is famous for the 38 ft standing statue of Buddha carved in Limestone. This spectacular image sculpted by Prince Agrabodhi in the 7th century is the tallest free standing statue of Buddha in Sri Lanka and is a major attraction for the pilgrims.

Dambegoda
Situated close to Maligawila is the much revered ten meter high image of Avalokitheswara Bodhisattva, also known as Maithree Natha Bodhisattva. This mythological being is believed to dwell on earth to aid in human salvation and is worshipped by the believers.

Kataragama
Kataragama, renowned as the shrine of Lord Kataragama and Lord Murugan, a Buddhist & a Hindu deity respectively, is a sacred destination for the Hindus, Buddhists and the indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. The destination of the ritual pilgrimage or Pad Yatra, Kataragama is known for its colorful festival - Kataragama Esala Perahera.

Bogoda Bridge and the Temple
Bogoda Bridge and Temple, located near Badulla, is a significant pilgrimage destination for the Buddhists. Believed to be on the ancient route connecting Kandy & Badulla, the elegant covered bridge across Gallanda Oya, is an architectural marvel. Hailed as a major heritage & religious destination, they are often visit by Pilgrims in the Uva Province.

Buduruwagala
Another example of marvelous rock carving, Buduruwagala, is a popular destination visited by the followers of Buddhism. Literally meaning- “the rock with the statue of Buddha”, Buduruwagala, presenting the Mahayana sect, showcases 7 images, including a massive 51 ft statue of Buddha, sculpted on a large elephant shaped rock.

Muthiyanganaya- Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
Muthiyangana, is the dwelling place for the hair & Mukthaka Dathu (drops of sweat turned in to pearls) of the Buddha, which are enshrined in the Stupa built by King Indaka. A most acclaimed Buddhist pilgrimage, its nearby areas hold major relevance in the Hindu mythology as the capital of the demon Ravana.

Nagadeepa or Nainativu Island
This tiny island, around 15 miles off the Jaffna coast, as major religious significance for both the Hindus & the Sinhalese. Hindus revere Shree Nagapooshani Amman Hindu Temple, while Singhalese venerate the Nagdeepa Purana Raja Maha Vihara, as one of the sixteen places visited by the Lord Buddha.

Pada Yatra
This ritualistic pilgrimage, where the believers walk hundreds of miles along the east coast from Jaffna to Kataragama, is one of the oldest traditions of Sri Lanka. This long and difficult journey, lasting for almost two months when the pilgrims pass through scores of villages & temples, ends with the festivities of Kataragama Esala Perahera.