The town of Beruwala in the Southern part of Sri Lanka is more commonly popular among the island visitors for the beautiful bronze beaches, dazzling sun and aquamarine oceans. There are numerous resorts in Bentota offering luxurious accommodation displaying the famous Sri Lankan hospitality such as the Avani Bentota resort that will contribute to the perfect beach vacation experience.
However, if one seeks a pleasant deviation from the sand and surf for a more spiritual exploration there are many temples and meditation chambers in the near vicinity attesting to the ancient religious history of Sri Lanka. There are many Buddhist places of worship in the region such as awe-inspiring temples, places of worship and isolated meditation chambers. The Sapugoda Temple also known as the Beruwala Sapugoda Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic temple upon a very peaceful compound built during the Kandyan era around the year 1750 with the patronage of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798 – 1815) of Kandy. Named in honor of Sapugoda Ananda Thero who commenced it, this temple was built for the purpose of the many Buddhists in the Nallahena region who had great difficulty in finding a place for worship.
With time the Sapugoda temple land expanded and more structures such as training centers for Buddhist monks, Dhana sala, Bell tower, an additional stupa were added leading the development and subsequent fame of this place of worship. Visitors can view the intricate details carved on all stone door frames and impressive heavy wooden doors that serve as reminders to the exceptional abilities of the ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. There are three immense statues of lord Buddha which are the Samadhi statue, standing statue and reclining statue. There are also numerous paintings on the temple walls showcasing the British, European and Hindu influences that prevailed in the land during that era. Surrounded by lush greenery and looking down from the cliff upon which it was built, this temple in its modest majesty is an active place for the continuation of ancient Buddhist traditions.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.
