The Muhudu Maha Viharaya is located in the town of Pottuvil which is known for its scenic properties and its position along the east coast of Sri Lanka. Pottuvil is also one of the island’s Muslim-dominated regions with very few other religious groups living there. The Muslim communities that make up the vast majority of the town’s population are descendants of the 4000 Muslim families that were granted safe asylum by King Senarath in the year 1626 after they were banished from the island’s western coast region. The expulsion of these families is said to have happened under the leadership of Captain de Saa of the Portuguese. The site had been erected over 2000 years ago and is said to have spanned over 264 acres of land during the British reign over Ceylon. The area has now, shrunken sadly to below 3 acres after the civil war in Sri Lanka. There has been much accusing and finger pointing to indicate that the people living in the region have taken over the land but the remnants of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya still stand proud and beautiful to this day. There are many Pottuvil hotels in the area such as the Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing among many others that offer the perfect location from which to visit the entire locality.
The Muhudu Maha Viharaya has an interesting tale woven around it where people say that during the LTTE attacks that were carried out in the region during the civil war, a single Buddhist monk lived there protecting the site. The priest is said to still live here and is said to speak openly of the many threats he had to face while trying to keep this prehistoric piece of heritage alive. Perhaps it is why; people say that this ancient shrine seems to look down upon the masses with a wisdom that speaks of ages gone by.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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