21 July 2009

Buddhangala


Sri Lanka is full of temples and monasteries. Some temples in places like Anuradhapura are older than 2000 years. In addition to the famous temples in main cultural towns like Anuradhapura, Kandy and Polonnaruwa, we find many important temples all around the country. These temples are full of devotees throughout the year. One interesting feature is that we find many outstation temples located in rocky outcrops. One good example is Dambulla. These locations give the temples, an elevated position compared to the rest of the buildings and they become visible from distant places.

Above picture and some more here were taken at this very interesting buddhist temple called Buddhangala Aranyaya (Hermitage) about 8 kilometers from Ampara. The temple is situated in a very peaceful location on top of a rocky outcrop which is about 450 feet high.

You can see a panoramic view of the region from the top. Ampara town, Galoya valley and Inginiyagala area can be seen very clearly. Please visit this web site to find more information about this monastery.

20 comments:

betchai said...

that's beautiful up there, a place not only for worship but also for inspiration.

rainfield61 said...

To have a temple in such a good place like this, it is sure we can gain more knowledge and be more intelligent.

Janith said...

the temple on a rocky mountain is almost a signature trademark of the dry zone of Sri Lanka isn't it? :) nice picture K!

Harshi said...

Very scenic pics. Have heard of this temple but seeing the pics for the first time I think. Best I like is the view from up the summit, stretching as far as the horizon. We can only dream to get such a splendid view with all these hills around! lol

Thanks for the pics and the info!

Amila Salgado said...

This looks a serene spot. Thanks for sharing.

auringonkukka said...

thank you once visited a village home pages:) and beautiful pictures you have here:)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

The temples and monasteries are amazing... In this country, I love to see churches and cathedrals.. There's so much beauty when seeing the houses of God--no matter what religion.

Betsy

Unknown said...

That looks like an awesome place!
Would love to visit one day, sigh!

George said...

The pictures you've posted are wonderful. This is a beautiful spot -- perfect for a temple.

Rajesh said...

Very informative. Nice to know temples as old as 2000 years are around.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Betchai,
Definitely this kind of places brings lot of inspiration. It is very beautiful up there as well.

Rainfield,
A lot of Buddhist monks and devotees meditate here and it is a place to seek knowledge as well as wisdom!

Chavie,
Yes it is a signature trademark as we have so many in the dry zone.

Harumi,
It is such a nice place as you get a 360 degree view of the area stretching very far as there are no obstructions. But hill country scenery is by far the best.

Gallicissa,
You are welcome and it is a very serene place

Auringonkukka,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. I am very impressed with your website too.

Betsy,
Yes I too love old buildings especially the ones with religious attachment. As you said what ever the religion they give so much inspiration!
I will bring more places with temples, kovils, churches and mosques in future too.

NicoleB,
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. I love your photos and website.

George,
Yes it is perfect for a temple. In Sri Lanka we have many similar places with temples and monasteries.
I will bring more details of those places soon.

Rajesh,
Yes. Ruwanweliseya of Anuradhapura is about 2300 years old. A few more around that area is about 2000 years old. There are many places for a person with cultural interest could visit here. There are 100s of temples and kovils all-around Sri Lanka.

Thanks all for your comments !!

Sarah A. Galang, Ph.D. said...

There are a lot here in Thailand. Thanks for sharing too...and the visit.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Princess Sarah,
Yes I know, but never got a chance to visit Thailand. thanks for your comments!

Tammie Lee said...

Your photo shows the peace that surrounds being there, a wonderful place for deep contemplation.

DrKong said...

hi there,
thanks for visiting my blog the other day.
been busy with school and my blog/photoblog havents got any update.

personally i think Sri Lanka old tample was amazing... i would like to visit em sometimes.

Cheers!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Tammie,
Yes most of the locations selected for monasteries have this character. Peaceful surrounding close to the nature.

Kengkaru Kong,
Thanks for your comments and I was very impressed with the pictures of your blog. Keep it up :)

Baron's Life said...

I was in your country as a visitor over 20 years ago, loved it then and love it now...great post...thanks for sharing

Kirigalpoththa said...

Baron's Life,
Glad you were here and thanks for sharing your experience. Hope you could come again :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

Thanks SloganMurugan!

Anonymous said...

http://www.buddhangala.org/