One of the most hallowed landmarks in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Kalutara Bodhiya is a sacred Buddhist temple. Remarkably anyone who is travelling to and from the south stopover to pay respect by way of offering or worshipping, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Location
Kalutara, derived from the ancient Sinhala word ‘Kalutota’ or Black Riverport, is a distinctively large town in Kalutara District, Western Province of Sri Lanka with plenty of sightseeing options.
Significance
The Bodhiya is particularly significant as the Bo tree is one of the living relics of the 2nd generation saplings from the Sri Maha Bo Tree in Anuradhapura which dates back over 2300 years. The massive shrine constructed within the pagoda is a major tourist and religious attraction.
History
The Indian Prince, Wickrama Pandaya planted the Bodhi in the Pahal Maluwa to create a sacred site. After the Portuguese reign, the Dutch used the upper terrace or Uda Maluwa as a camp. This tradition was also followed by the British. The historic Kalutara Bodhi was developed after the Kalutara Buddhist society was instituted in 1931. The efforts of Sir Cyril De Zoysa were made fruitful when the lower terrace area started development construction.
Importance of the Temple
Located within a short distance from many hotels in Kalutara the likes of Anantara Kalutara Resort, the Kalutara Bodhiya is one of the most iconic religious destinations in the country. The site is visited by devotees from all around the country as well as from foreign countries. The temple and its surrounding areas are a massive tourist attraction around which some major attractions such as the Kalido Beach.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
