Gangamaraya Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temple around Colombo. I have one night stop over before continue my journey to the central area of Sri Lanka. So i decide to visit this temple.
When i reached there. I'm bit confused, because this temple is not really look like majority Buddhist Temple. It's like an old home with full of statue.
It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises.
The wall around the main puja building have so impressive art work. A lof of buddha statue there with different form. And there is story too about how buddha get enlightenment.
The Garden beside the building is so peaceful. One area have big bodhi tree where people can meditate and light the fire.
The one that make me really sad is , when i explore the temple i saw in the back (hidden area) , an elephant chain so tight and difficult to move. I'm surprised how inside the Buddhist temple the cruelty to other creature happen.
I want to ask but nobody there talk about this elephant. But i read in Sri Lanka Elephant cruelty is always happen in the name of culture and religious festival.
Let's hope this elephant will find peace soon.
Gangamaraya Temple
Address : 61 Sri Jinaratana Road
Ticket : 200 Srilanka Rupee
Elephants are domesticated in many temples in India too, especially in the South, for religious and cultural purposes... don't know about the treatment meted out to them... but I guess, everybody loves to be free. Beautiful temple, dear... enjoy your trip in Columbo :)
ReplyDeleteThank you dear, yes we wish the same , all creature free and happy, have great week Arti
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