Sri Lanka Pilgrimage Tour

22-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 1)
💐🌸💮🏵️🌹🌱🌷🌼🌻🥀🌺
Many ZX members joined a group of 40+ to Sri Lanka led by Saddha Yongjun departed KL to Colombo. Driving about 4.5 hours to reach City of Anuradhapura.

Visiting Mihintale which is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.

According to Dipavamsa and Mahavamsa, Thera Mahindra (“Mahinda” was the son of Emperor Ashoka of India. came to Sri Lanka from India on the full moon day of the month of Poson (June) and met King Devanampiyatissa and the people, and preached the doctrine.

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23-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 2) - The Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
🌞🌎⭐️🌝🌕🌍🌕🌞🌏🌝🌍
Today ZX members and group visited multiple places within the Sacred city of Anuradhapura which was established around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment', the Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again.

🔹Sri Maha Bodhiya Temple :
Planted in 288 BC and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. It was brought from Buddhagaya India by the Ven. Sanghamitta Therini, a sister of Arhant Mahinda – who introduced the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.

🔸Mirisawetiya Stupa :
King Dutugamunu (161 BC to 137 BC) built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre where he can’t remove after coming back from bath.The stupa was built in the place where the sceptre stood. Other kings renovated from time to time but it was dilapidated.

🔹Jethawanaramaya Stupa:
The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, or Buddhist reliquary monument; At 122 metres (400 ft) it was the world's tallest stupa. A part of a sash or belt tied by the Buddha is believed to be the relic that is enshrined here.

🔸Samadhi Buddha statue :
A Buddha statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park depicted in the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment.

🔹Twin Ponds :
The said pair of bathing pools were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura.

🔸Moonstone :
is an elaborately carved semi-circular stone slab, usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. It symbolises the cycle.

🔹Lankaramaya Stupa:
a stupa built by King Valagamba. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there has been a house built encircling the stupa (vatadage) to cover it. The round courtyard of the stupa seems to be 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.

🔸Isurumunya Temple :
A Buddhist temple situated near to the Tisa tank. There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family.

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24-12-2018 : Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 3 Morning) ~ Sigiriya :
🦁⛰🦁🏔🦁🗻🦁⛰🦁🗻🦁
ZX and groups gathered earlier preparing to “conquer” the (Sigiriya) Lion Hill.. The weather is good but the way up to the hill experience severe “Human Traffic Jam”.. something close to bumper to bumper jam.... The movement is slow but most of us made it to the top of the hill... Bravo! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻😀

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale Districtnear the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

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24-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka ~ Ancient
City of Polonnaruwa (DAY 3 afternoon)
🧒🏻👦🏻👧🏼🧑🏻👨🏻👵🏻👴🏻🧓🏻👩🧔👨‍⚕️
Today afternoon visit will be various archeological site within the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa...

⬛Polonnaruwa Ancient City:
~The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site. Some of the Prominent site within this Ancient City are as follows:

🔴Parākramabāhu Ancient Palace:
Parakramabahu I (1123–1186) was king of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa from 1153-86. During his reign from the capital city of Polonnaruwa, he unified the three lesser kingdoms of the island, becoming one of the last monarchs in Sri Lankan history to do so. He oversaw the expansion and beautification of his capital, constructed extensive irrigation systems, reorganized the country's army, reformed Buddhist practices, encouraged the arts and undertook military campaigns in South India and Burma.The Royal Palace of King Parakumba (1153-1186 ) was constructed as seven story building, but now remains only parts of 3 floors.

🔵Gal Vihara :
is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure.

🔴Hatadage:
is an ancient relic shrine. It was built by King Nissanka Malla, and had been used to keep the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The Hatadage had been built using stone, brick and wood, although only parts of the brick and stone walls now remain. It appears to have been a two-storey structure, but the upper storey has now been destroyed. Three Buddha statues carved out of granite rock are located within a chamber of the shrine.

🔵Vatadage :
is believed to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Both these venerated relics would have given the structure a great significance and importance at the time.

Built for the protection of a small stupa, the structure has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings. The lower platform is entered through a single entrance facing the north, while the second platform can be accessed through four doorways facing the four cardinal points. The upper platform, surrounded by a brick wall, contains the stupa. Four Buddha statues are seated around it, each facing one of the entrances. Three concentric rows of stone columns had also been positioned here, presumably to support a wooden roof. The entire structure is decorated with stone carvings. Some of the carvings at the Polonnaruwa.

🔴Thuparama Pilimage :
is another Gedige type image house surviving from Polonnaruwa era.

Thuparama Image House:
both walls and roof were made out of bricks Length of this image house is 84 feet and width is 56 feet. The thicknesss of the wall is 7 feet.

There was a seating Buddha statue in middle of the house which was made out of bricks. But it’s no longer there due to treasure hunters or may be south Indian invaders in Polonnaruwa era. But you can see there are few other Buddha statues, which are made out of lime stones

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25-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 4 )
🌲🌳🌴🌵🎄🌿🍃🎋🍀☘️🎍
In most of the temple and shrine that we visited so far, we have to walk barefoot as show of respect. Today we walked up the hill for a distance before reaching the entrance of Dambulla Golden Cave Temple. An after lunch stop at the SPICE Garden and SPICY shopping. We visited another AluVihara Temple and thereafter have the privilege of special arrangement to come close to paying respect and offering to the “Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic” at the Asgiri Maha Viharaya in Kandy.....

🔴Dambulla Golden Temple :

is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Dambulla, Central Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

🔵AluVihara Temple (Matale) :

Surrounded by hills, the Aluvihara cave temple is situated 30 km north of Kandyon the Matale-Dambulla road. The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign.

🔴Asgiri Maha Viharaya :

is a Buddhist monastery located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is the headquarters of the Asgiriya chapter of Siyam Nikaya, one of the two Buddhist monasteries that holds the custodianship of sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The chief incumbent of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya is the Mahanayaka thero of Asgiri chapter of Siyam nikaya, a leading Buddhist monastic fraternity in Sri Lanka. The present chief incumbent of Asgiri Maha Viharaya is Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero. Asgiri Maha Vihara traces its origin from the wanavasi sect of the Dimbulagala forest monastery of Polonnaruva. Currently 565 Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka functions under Asgiri Viharaya of Kandy.

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26-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 5):
🌸🌼🏵️🌸🌼🏵️🌸🌼🏵️🌸🌼
🔴We have the privilege to visit and pay respect to the Chief Monk of the Sri Lankan Asgiriya Buddhist Sect at the Asgiri Maha Vihara Maha Pirivena in the morning.

Asgiri Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist monastery located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is the headquarters of the Asgiriya chapter of Siyam Nikaya, one of the two Buddhist monasteries that holds the custodianship of sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The chief incumbent of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya is the Mahanayaka thero of Asgiri chapter of Siyam nikaya, a leading Buddhist monastic fraternity in Sri Lanka. The present chief incumbent of Asgiri Maha Viharaya is venrable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero. Asgiri Maha Vihara traces its origin from the wanavasi sect of the Dimbulagala forest monastery of Polonnaruva. Currently 565 Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka functions under Asgiri Viharaya of Kandy.

🔵 Travelling Highland and visited "Glenloch Tea House" and "Damro Labookellie Tea Centre" in the Nuwara Eliya District with a salubrious climate. We have the chance of experiencing the Authentic taste of famous "Ceylon Tea"....

A little surprise of "Flower💐 Boys" who climbed terrain and showed up in multiple time as our coach driving up the "S" winding Road...
We were touched by their stamina, bravery, enthusiasm and "Super Hero" skill that we ended up inviting them on board our coach to purchase the flowers... 😊

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27-12-2018 : Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 6) :
🌸💮🏵️🌺🌸💮🏵️🌺🌸💮🏵️
ZX members and group woke up in the morning for a refreshing walk and breakfast by the side of Ramboda Falls.
Today's journey started with a Scenic drive through the mountainous region of "Nuwara Eliya" to reached last destination of "Embilopitiya", southern part of Sri Lanka.

🔵 Ramboda Falls :
is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level.

🔴 Lake Gregory :
sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.

🔴 Ella Mount Heaven Hotel/Restaurant :
to a gorgeous mountainous region of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Located within proximity of the Ella Gap and with a beautiful backdrop of the mountains.

🔵 Dhowa Raja Maha Vihara :
Dhowa Maha Rock Temple is a protected heritage site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central mountains of the Uva province. Dhowa is a small, ancient village situated on the Badulla - Bandarawela main road. This temple is situated 210 km east of Colombo and 120 km south of Kandy.

The Dhowa rock temple is famous for its large unfinished Buddha image, carved into the rock face, which is considered an example of Mahayana sculpture. The temple dates back over 2000 years. The area gained the name Dhowa as it is located within a ring of mountains, with a river which flows across the plateau.

🔴 Buduruwagala :
is an ancient buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha's right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.

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28-12-2018: Pilgrimage Tour to Sri Lanka (DAY 7) :
🌿🍃🍂🍀🍁☘️🍁🌿🍃🍂☘️
Leaving and travelling more than 5 hours to Colombo from Embilopitiya... First stop at Galle Fort, follows by Kalutara Bodhiya and a special privilege arrangement to pay respect to the chief monk, Ven Dr. Waskaduwe and the Buddha relic at Rajaguru Sri Subuthi Maha Viharaya. Final stop at Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo City...

This is the last day of the trip and ZX members and group will be flying back to KL early morning on 29/12/18. The group express their sincere thanks to Saddha Yongjun for facilitating and leading this trip, the organiser members, the Tour guide, the drivers, helpers, accompanied traffic police and most of all, the happy and pleasant groups... 😊

🔵 Galle Fort :
in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

🔴 Kalutara Bodhiya :
is a Bodhi tree (sacred fig) located in Kalutara, Western Province of Sri Lanka. Situated on the Galle Colombo main road, by the side of Kalu River just south to the Kalutara city, it is believed to be one of the 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. A Buddhist temple Kalutara Viharaya and a modern Stupa, Kalutara Chaitya are located in close proximity to this sacred fig. One of the most venerated religious place in Sri Lanka, hundreds of Buddhists visit this religious place daily.

🔵 Rajaguru Sri Subhuti Maha Viharaya :
The temple received 21 relics of Buddha from Mr. Peppe (owner of the land) discovered in 1898 from a site in Bihar, India, believed to be ancient city of Kapilavastu. The burial relics of Buddha was done by the members of family of Sakya Buddha.

🔴 Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple :
Is a Buddhist temple in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. It was built during the 1870s to shelter disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne who came to hear the monk's sermons. A wealthy local resident funded the temple's construction and subsequent expansion. In the center of this large building is a relic chamber, surrounded by smaller halls and a drawing room.