The Kalutara Bodhiya: A Relic That Withstands the Test of Time – the sacred ground

Travelling down south on the coast of Sri Lanka, you will come across the destination known as Kalutara. lined with many hotels towards the seaside, it is a playing ground for holidaymakers who love the beach. Of the many attractions here, the highlight is undoubtedly the Kalutara Bodhiya.

Location

This attraction isn’t difficult to find at all since it is located just by the side of Galle Road with an entrance right there. The Chaitya can be seen glowing stark white in the sunlight. It is easily accessible from hotels in Kalutara the likes of Anantara Kalutara Resort.

The Sacred Tree

There are 2 sacred Bodhi Trees at this temple. One of them is planted on the lower terrace and the other one is on the upper terrace closer to the Chaitya. The tree on the upper level of the temple is said to be one of the 32 saplings from the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.

The believers

It is because of the sacred Bodhi Tree that believers deem the temple to be a very holy place. There are always devotees dressed in white who visit the temple to offer lotus or jasmine flowers to the Budhha as an offering.

A bit of history

The Kalutara Bodhiya has been sacred ground since the 2nd century BC and has withstood the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and English.