Sri Lanka is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist countries where 70% of its population are Buddhists. Kelaniya, a suburb about 10km away from Colombo is known for the buddhist temple built on the banks of kelani river and holds a significant place in the life of any Buddhist. It is believed that Buddha had visited Kelaniya and therefore it is said that all your sins will be washed away if you visit and worship the Kelaniya Temple at least once in your lifetime (of course it is just a saying but it just shows how much importance the temple holds).
For me Kelaniya resembles two things. My family, as I grew up in Kelaniya and the Kelaniya Temple. I am not a diehard Buddhist but still I grew up having a special place in my heart for the temple. I love visiting it every time I come down. To go there in the evening and sit in a corner away from the crowds, gazing at the massive ‘dagaba’ or just soaking up the atmosphere where everyone is quiet and dressed in white with colourful flowers in hand is an experience in itself.
It is not special only for religious purposes but because for me nothing can beat the amazing architecture, the calmness you feel when you enter the temple grounds, and the sound of the bo leaves when the wind blows or the colours… yellow & red hues from monks’ ‘sivuru’, green bo leaves, soft brown sand and white-clad worshipers.
Here are few photos to show you what I am talking about… 🙂
I love the intricate details in this place…. it is such good craftmanship that you only find in these ancient places.
Hope this post finds your interest and any comment or feedback is much appreciated! 🙂
