Kalutara is a coastal city in Sri Lanka and bears much religious significance to all Buddhist devotees in Sri Lanka. This is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in this small town. For those who plan to visit, here is a little about the historical and spiritual significance of this monument.
Image by SWR2.9 via wikimedia commons
Origins
The Kalutara Bodhiya refers to a fig tree that is said to be one of the 32 saplings of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura (yet another city considered to be sacred and historic in Sri Lanka). The main tree in Anuradhapura is also one of the saplings of the Bodhgaya Bodi Tree, the tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
History
Since this tree originated from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, let’s take a look at some religious significance surrounding it. A sapling of the tree in India was brought to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thera, the son of King Asoka in India. It was Mahinda Thera who gave the sapling to King Devanam Piyatissa who then spread Buddhism to the whole of Sri Lanka.
The Invasion
When the Portuguese invaded Sri Lanka, the tree was nearly destroyed. The place was turned into a fort which was occupied by the Portuguese, and later by the Dutch and the British, however, the tree was not harmed.
Kaluthara Chaithya
The Kalutara Chaithya is one of the world’s rare hollow Chaithyas. Inside you will find about 74 murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha. It is located immediately south of the Kalutara Bridge. Visiting this historic and religious monument is one of the best things to do in Kalutara, Sri Lanka and it is just a 35-minute drive away from hotels like Glenross Living.
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