Solosmasthana

Last updated

Solosmasthana are 16 sacred places in Sri Lanka, believed by Buddhists to have been hallowed by visits of Gautama Buddha. [1] These places of worship are among the most important religious locations in Sri Lanka, and are located throughout the country. [2] Ancient Buddhist and historical sources of Sri Lanka assert that the Buddha visited the country on three occasions. These three visits are given in some detail in the ancient chronicle Mahavamsa, which describes his journeys to eleven of the Solosmasthana. [3] Other sources such as the Pujavaliya, Samantapasadika and Butsarana also mention these visits. But there are no reliable source proves this matter. Professor senarath paranavithana in his day announced that he was not able to say that Buddha visited Sri Lanka, due to lack of archaeological evidence. [4]

Contents

History

The first visit was made to Mahiyangana in the ninth month after the Buddha attained enlightenment. [5] The Mahavamsa says that he conquered the yakshas there and sent them to an island named Giri, thereby setting the background for the establishment of Buddhism in the country later on, where the Buddha knew that the Dhamma would prevail "in all its glory". [6] The Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka was made to Nagadipa in the fifth year after attaining enlightenment, where he settled a dispute between Naga kings Chulodara and Mahodara regarding a jeweled chair. [7] In the eighth year after enlightenment, the Buddha made his third and final visit to the country accompanied by 500 bhikkhus. This visit was to Kelaniya and was due to an invitation by a Naga king named Maniakkika, who had asked the Buddha to come to his kingdom during the previous visit. After a discourse on Dharma at Maniakkika's abode, the Mahavamsa records that the Buddha visited Samantakuta, Diva Guhava, Dighavapi, and the places where the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya and Sela Cetiya now stand. [7] The Samantapasadika mentions that the Buddha also visited Muthiyangana during this visit. [8] It is possible that the other sites may have been included in Solosmasthana because of the monumental stupas built by Buddhist kings at these locations. [9]

With the decline of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, most of the Solosmasthana were abandoned. [10] It was not until the 20th century that all of them received the attention of the Sangha and Buddhists in the country and were renovated. [11] A Pali gatha, praising the Solosmasthana, is in use among Buddhists. This gatha, which lists all of the Solosmasthana, is recited especially when making offerings to the Buddha. [12]

Solosmasthana

NamePali name [13] [N 1] ConstructionDateLocationImage
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara [14] [15] MahiyanganamBuilt during the lifetime of Buddha, it is the first ever stupa to be constructed in Sri Lanka. The temple enshrines a lock of hair given by Buddha to Saman, a local chieftain and later a Buddhist deity, during his first visit to the island, 9 months after attaining enlightenment. [16] 6th century BC [17] Mahiyangana, Uva
Mahiyangana Stupa.jpg
Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya [18] NagadipamConstructed by the two warring Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, on the site where Buddha, during his second visit to Sri Lanka, intervened and mediated in settling a dispute over the possession of a gem-studded throne. This throne was later enshrined in this stupa. [16] 1st century CE [19] Nagadeepa, Northern Province
Nainathivunakaviharai 2.jpg
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara [20] KalyanamBuilt by Naga king Maniakkika, the temple, hallowed during the third and final visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka enshrines a gem studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached. [16]  ? Kelaniya, Western Province
Kelani Vihara.jpg
Sri Pada [21] [22]
සමනළ කන්ද
Padalancanam, SamantakutamThe sacred left footprint imprinted by Buddha on his third visit to Sri Lanka at the apex of the mountain. Vijayabahu I first built resting houses for pilgrims during his reign. [23] 519/520 BC [24] Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa
6°48′41″N80°29′59″E / 6.81139°N 80.49972°E / 6.81139; 80.49972 (Sri Pada) 		Sri Pada.JPG
Diva Guhava [25]
(Batatotalena Cave)		DivaguhamNatural. The cave in which Buddha spent the day after placing his footprint on Sri Pada. The place is yet unidentified. [16]  ? [N 2] Sudagala, Sabaragamuwa
6°48′00″N80°22′00″E / 6.80000°N 80.36667°E / 6.80000; 80.36667 (Batatotalena Cave)
Deegavapi Raja Maha Viharaya [26]
දීඝවාපි
DighavapiConstructed by Saddha Tissa enshrining relics of the Buddha, at the site where Buddha spent sometime with Arhants absorbed in ecstatic meditation, during his final visit. [16] 137 BC Ampara District, Eastern Province
Deegawapi.jpg
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara [27] Cetiyanca MutiyanganamErected by Devanampiya Tissa enshrining relics of Buddha. The site has been consecrated by Lord Buddha, who spent a few moments absorbed in ecstatic meditation. [16]  ? Badulla, Uva Province
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara.JPG
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara [28] Tissa MahaviharancaBuilt by Kavan Tissa it is one of the largest stupas in Ruhuna. The Silpasena Pirivena has been at this site. [16] 2nd century BC Tissamaharama, Southern Province
6°17′00″N81°17′00″E / 6.28333°N 81.28333°E / 6.28333; 81.28333 (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara) 		Tissamaharama Stupa.JPG
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi [29]
ජය ශ්‍රී මහා බොධිය
BodhiThe southern branch from the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya under which Buddha attained Enlightenment. Planted during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa.288 BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°20′41″N80°23′48″E / 8.34472°N 80.39667°E / 8.34472; 80.39667 (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi) 		Photograph of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura Sri Lanka.jpg
Mirisawetiya Vihara [30] MaricavattiyamBuilt by Dutugamunu with the relic studded sceptre of the King deposited in the stupa. [16] [31] 2nd century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°20′42″N80°23′20″E / 8.34500°N 80.38889°E / 8.34500; 80.38889 (Mirisawetiya Vihara) 		SL Anuradhapura asv2020-01 img35 Mirisawetiya Stupa.jpg
Ruwanwelisaya [1] Suvarnamali Maha CetiBuilt by Dutugamunu over an impressive collection of relics. [31] c. 140 BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°21′00″N80°23′47″E / 8.35000°N 80.39639°E / 8.35000; 80.39639 		Ruwanwelisaya.jpg
Thuparamaya [32] TuparamaA relic shrine, the original structure was built by Devanampiya Tissa. The temple built to contain the right Clavicle of Buddha. [33] 246 BC [33] [N 3] Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°21′19″N80°23′46″E / 8.35528°N 80.39611°E / 8.35528; 80.39611 (Thuparamaya) 		SL Anuradhapura asv2020-01 img34 Thuparamaya Stupa.jpg
Abhayagiri vihāra [34] AbhayagiriConstructed on the site of a Jaina temple by Valagamba to commemorate the reconquering of the kingdom from foreign usurpers who had deposed him and occupied the throne for 15 year. The stupa enshrines relics of Buddha and the Tripitaka inscribed in gold leaves. [16] [35] 2nd century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°21′00″N80°23′00″E / 8.35000°N 80.38333°E / 8.35000; 80.38333 (Abhayagiri vihāra) 		SL Anuradhapura asv2020-01 img31 Abhayagiriya Stupa.jpg
Jetavanaramaya [36]
ජේතවනාරාමය
JetavanamConstruction begun by Mahasena and finished by his successor Sirimeghavanna. The waist-band used by Buddha is said to be enshrined. [16] [31] 4th century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
8°21′6″N80°24′13″E / 8.35167°N 80.40361°E / 8.35167; 80.40361 (Jetavanaramaya) 		SL Anuradhapura asv2020-01 img24 Jetavanaramaya Stupa.jpg
Sela Cetiya [37] Sela Caitiyam Lanja Tissa. The site where Arahat Mahinda Thero met Devanampiya Tissa and converted him to Buddhism. The Urna Roma, the sacred hair relic between the eyebrows, is said to be enshrined in here. [16] 1st century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province
Kiri Vehera [4] ThathakacaragamakamFirst built by King Mahasena, [N 4] the temple enshirnes the golden seat, from which Buddha delivered a sermon, a lock of hair and the royal sword (magul kaduwa) used by Prince Siddhartha to cut off his hair at the time of the Great Renunciation. [16] 3rd century BC Monaragala, Uva
Kiri Vehera at night.jpg

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ This is the name used to refer to the location in the pali gatha about Solosmasthana.
  2. ↑ Discovered in 1995.
  3. ↑ Current structure built in 1842.
  4. ↑ This is not the Mahasena (275 – 301 AD) who constructed Jetavanaramaya, but a king who had ruled during the Buddha's visit to this area. [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi</span> Sacred tree in Sri Lanka

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a historical sacred bo tree in the Mahamewuna Garden in historical city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This is believed to be a tree grown from a cutting of the southern branch from the historical sacred bo tree, Sri Maha Bodhi, which was destroyed during the time of Emperor Ashoka the Great, at Buddha Gaya in India, under which Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) attained Enlightenment. The Buddhist nun Sangamitta Maha Theri, a daughter of Indian Emperor Ashoka, in 236 BC, brought the tree cutting to Sri Lanka during the reign of Sinhalese King Devanampiya Tissa.[1] At more than 2,300 years old, it is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. The Mahavamsa, or the great chronicle of the Sinhalese, provides an elaborate account of the establishment of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi on the Island and the subsequent development of the site as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura</span> King of Anuradhapura from 307 BC to 267 BC

Tissa, later Devanampiya Tissa, meaning, was one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka based at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. According to the traditional chronology, he ruled from 307 BC to 267 BC, but the modified chronology adopted by modern scholars such as Wilhelm Geiger assigns his reign to 247 BC to 207 BC. His reign was notable for the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great. The primary source for his reign is the Mahavamsa, which in turn is based on the more ancient Dipavamsa.

<i>Dīpavaṃsa</i>

The Dīpavaṃsa is the oldest historical record of Sri Lanka. The chronicle is believed to be compiled from Atthakatha and other sources around the 3rd to 4th century CE. Together with the Mahāvaṃsa, it is the source of many accounts of the ancient history of Sri Lanka and India. Its importance resides not only as a source of history and legend but also as an important early work in Buddhist and Pali literature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara</span> Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. It is located 11 km (6.8 mi) north-east of Colombo. The current chief incumbent is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stupas in Sri Lanka</span>

Stupas, also called dagebas and cetiyas, are considered an outstanding type of architectural creation of ancient Sri Lanka. Under the influence of Buddhism, there were several changes in the field of architecture in Sri Lanka. The stupa commands a prominent place among these changes. The Stupa is also known by synonymous names such as Chaithya, Dagaba, Thupa, Seya and Vehera. Stupas designed and constructed in Sri Lanka are the largest brick structures known to the pre-modern world.

The University of Sri Lanka was the public university system of Sri Lanka from 1972 to 1978. The university system was dissolved in 1978 and its six campuses turned into independent universities: the University of Peradeniya, the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Kelaniya, the University of Moratuwa, and the University of Jaffna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saman (deity)</span> Buddhist god from Sri Lanka

Saman is a deity, subject to local and indigenous belief and worship in Sri Lanka. The name Saman means "good minded". His character is of historical significance for the Sinhalese people and veneration especially to all the Buddhists. Maha Sumana Saman Deviraja is depicted crowned and bejeweled, holding a lotus flower in his right or left hand and accompanied by a white elephant.

Sinhalese Buddhist nationalism is a Sri Lankan political ideology which combines a focus upon Sinhalese culture and ethnicity (nationalism) with an emphasis upon Theravada Buddhism, which is the majority belief system of most of the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka. It mostly revived in reaction to the colonisation of Sri Lanka by the British Empire and became increasingly assertive in the years following the independence of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anuradhapura Kingdom</span> Ancient Sinhalese kingdom from 437 BC to 1017 CE

Anuradhapura Kingdom, named for its capital city, was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka related to the Sinhalese people. According to the Mahāvaṃsa, it was founded by King Pandukabhaya in 437 BC, whose authority extended throughout the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandakada pahana</span> Carved semicircular stone slab in Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka

Sandakada Pahana, also known as Moonstone, is a unique feature of the architecture of ancient Sri Lanka. It is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. First seen in the latter stage of the Anuradhapura period, the sandakada pahana evolved through the Polonnaruwa, Gampola and Kandyan period. According to historians, the sandakada pahana symbolises the cycle of Samsāra in Buddhism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Temple of the Tooth</span> Temple complex in Sri Lanka

Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by Sinhalese kings. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the middle of Badulla town in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara</span> Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka

Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mahiyangana, Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the site of Gautama Buddha's first visit to the country, and is one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred religious locations in Sri Lanka. Currently this temple has been declared as one of archaeological site in Sri Lanka.

The Battle of Vijithapura was a decisive battle fought in the campaign carried out by Sri Lankan king Dutthagamani against the invading South Indian king Ellalan. The battle is documented in detail in the ancient chronicles of the country. However, they only provide the viewpoint of Dutthagamani and his army, and details are scarce on Elara's side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anuradhapura period</span> Period in the history of Sri Lanka during the Anuradhapura Kingdom (377 BC-1017 AD)

The Anuradhapura period was a period in the history of Sri Lanka of the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 377 BCE to 1017 CE. The period begins when Pandukabhaya, King of Upatissa Nuwara moved the administration to Anuradhapura, becoming the kingdom's first monarch. Anuradhapura is heralded as an ancient cosmopolitan citadel with diverse populations.

The Deva are a mythical people of Sri Lanka according to the Sanskrit epics. According to the Mahavamsa and Ramayana they lived among the Naga, Yakkha and Raskha. They ousted their arch enemies the Raskha from Sri Lanka, with the help of Vishnu. They were then subsequently conquered by King Ravana of the Raskha. After the Yakkhas had left to live in the mountains and remote dense forests, they met Gautama Buddha who converted them to Buddhism. Deva were the first Indo Aryan migrants to Sri Lanka before Vijaya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Upulvan</span> Sri Lankan Buddhist version of Hindu god Vishnu

Upulvan, also known as Vishnu is a guardian deity of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Buddhists believe him also as a protector of the Buddhism in the country. The name Upulvan depicts his body colour which means "blue water lily coloured". The cult of Upulvan started during the medieval period in Sri Lanka. According to the local lore and legend, Upulvan is the god whom the Buddha entrusted with the guardianship of Sri Lanka and Buddha Śāsana of the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara</span>

Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Trincomalee district in Eastern Province, which is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinhalese monarchy</span> Monarchy of Sri Lanka (543 BCE–1815 CE)

The Sinhalese monarchy has its origins in the settlement of North Indian Indo-Aryan immigrants to the island of Sri Lanka. The Landing of Vijay as described in the traditional chronicles of the island, the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa and Culavamsa, and later chronicles, recount the date of the establishment of the first Sinhala Kingdom in 543 BC when Prince Vijaya, an Indian Prince, and 700 of his followers are claimed to have landed on the island of Sri Lanka and established the Kingdom of Tambapanni. In Sinhalese mythology, Prince Vijaya and followers are told to be the progenitors of the Sinhalese people. However according to the story in the Divyavadana, the immigrants were probably not led by a scion of a royal house in India, as told in the romantic legend, but rather may have been groups of adventurous and pioneering merchants exploring new lands.

References

Specific
  1. 1 2 Garnier, Anjalie (2009-05-13). "Ruwanweliseya: Architectural wonder of rich cultural heritage". Daily News. Archived from the original on 2009-10-03. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  2. ↑ Claus, Peter J.; Diamond, Sarah; Mills, Margaret Ann (2003). South Asian folklore: an encyclopedia : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Taylor & Francis. p. 85. ISBN   978-0-415-93919-5.
  3. ↑ Holt (1996), p. 57
  4. 1 2 Jayawardana, Ruwini (2009-04-18). "Kiri vehera: Focul point of pilgrimage to the south". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  5. ↑ Wijesooriya (2006), p. 5
  6. ↑ Wijesooriya (2006), p. 6
  7. 1 2 Wijesooriya (2006), p. 7
  8. ↑ Holt (1996), p. 61
  9. ↑ Holt (1996), p. 62
  10. ↑ Siriweera p. 252
  11. ↑ Mutukumara, Nemsiri (2003-06-14). "Mihintalava". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  12. ↑ Mutukumara, Nemsiri (2004-07-31). "Restoration program spreading fast". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-30.
  13. ↑ Mutukumara, H.M. Nemsiri (2005-06-21). "Unite and restore past glory". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  14. ↑ Ratnasinghe, Aryadasa (2002-01-28). "Mahiyangana Cetiya - The first of its kind in Sri Lanka" (.pdf). Budusarana. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  15. ↑ Aves, Edward (2003). Sri Lanka. Footprint Travel Guides. p. 292. ISBN   978-1-903471-78-4.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Maha "The 16 Places Of Veneration" . Retrieved 10 January 2013.{{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  17. ↑ "Mahiyanganaya Temple". Tours Lanka. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
  18. ↑ Wettimuny, Samangie (2009-04-05). "Buddha's visit to Nagadeepa". The Sunday Observer. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  19. ↑ Dhammika, Ven. S. "Nagadipa". BuddhaNet. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  20. ↑ Wettimuny, Samangie (2009-05-17). "The splendour of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara". The Sunday Observer. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  21. ↑ "Seruwila to Sri Pada (Sacred Foot Print Shrine)". UNESCO.org. Retrieved 2011-08-25.
  22. ↑ KappagodaD., D. B. (2006-01-08). "A peak surrounded in mist and mystery". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  23. ↑ "Śrī Pada or Adam's Peak". Living Heritage Network. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  24. ↑ Jayasekera, Upali. "Buddha's visits to Sri Lanka indisputable". www.infolanka.com. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  25. 1 2 Mahendra, Sachitra (2008-05-19). "Vesak Poya - Significant and historical aspects". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  26. ↑ Punchihewa, Gamini (December 2002). "Kanchanakudah memories". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  27. ↑ "Location Based Information—Badulla District". District and Divisional Secretariats Portal—Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs. Retrieved 2009-09-27.
  28. ↑ de Silva, Theja (2009-03-15). "Kavantissa: Master of strategy". The Nation. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  29. ↑ Ludowyk, E. F. C. (1985). The Story of Ceylon. Navrang Booksellers & Publishers. p. 30. ISBN   81-7013-020-4.
  30. ↑ Siriweera (2004), p. 27
  31. 1 2 3 Fergusson (1910), p. 230
  32. ↑ "Cultural Treasures". The Sunday Observer. 2007-06-03. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  33. 1 2 Fergusson (1910), p. 235
  34. ↑ Chandrarathne, Ranga (2005-10-16). "Abhayagiriya - a remnant of a monastery". The Sunday Observer. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  35. ↑ Fergusson (1910), p. 229
  36. ↑ Wijesinghe, Nimal (2009-06-17). "Jetawana Stupa open to public from June 18". Daily News. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  37. ↑ Senaveratna, John M. (1997). The story of the Sinhalese from the most ancient times up to the end of "the Mahavansa" or Great dynasty: Vijaya to Maha Sena, B.C. 543 to A.D.302. Asian Educational Services. p. 182. ISBN   978-81-206-1271-6.
General
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.