My visit to Sri Lanka ( part-4) ( continued from part-3)
( by Lokanath Mishra)
As I embarked on my journey from Sigiriya to Kandy, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. The central region of Sri Lanka is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, and I was eager to explore its many wonders.
My first stop was the Buddhist temple of Aluvihare, located in the heart of Matale. This ancient temple, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is famous for its stunning rock carvings and intricate stone sculptures. As I wandered through the temple’s tranquil grounds, I felt a deep sense of peace and spirituality.
Next, I visited the Spice Garden in Matale, where I was introduced to the fascinating world of Sri Lankan spices. The garden was a treasure trove of aromatic plants, including cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. I learned about the medicinal properties of these spices and even got to sample some of the delicious teas and oils on offer.
After working up an appetite, I headed to the Gems Museum in Kandy, where I was amazed by the stunning collection of precious stones on display. From glittering sapphires to vibrant rubies, the museum showcased the incredible diversity of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry.
As the day drew to a close, I made my way to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Kandy’s most iconic landmarks. This sacred temple, housing the revered relic of the Buddha’s tooth, is a place of profound spiritual significance. As I watched the sunset over the temple’s tranquil grounds, I felt a deep sense of connection to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
According to Buddhist legend, the tooth of the Buddha was brought from Kalinga (present-day Odisha, India) to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha.
The story goes that after the Buddha’s passing, his tooth was retrieved from his funeral pyre by his disciple, Khema. The tooth was then taken to the kingdom of Kalinga, where it was enshrined in a temple.
Prince Dantha, who was the son of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, and his wife, Princess Hemamali, were devout Buddhists. They decided to smuggle the Buddha’s tooth out of Kalinga to Sri Lanka to protect it from those who sought to destroy it.
The princess hid the tooth in her hair, and the couple set sail for Sri Lanka. They arrived in the port city of Lankapattana (present-day Trincomalee) and were welcomed by King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna, who was a Buddhist.
The king enshrined the Buddha’s tooth in a temple in Anuradhapura, which was then the capital of Sri Lanka. Later, the tooth was moved to Kandy, where it is currently housed in the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa).
This legendary story highlights the devotion and courage of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha, who risked their lives to bring the Buddha’s tooth to Sri Lanka, where it remains a sacred relic to this day.
Finally, I arrived at the Hotel Regency Kandy, my home for the night. This charming hotel, nestled in the heart of Kandy, offered stunning views of the surrounding hills and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. As I settled into my cozy room, I felt grateful for the incredible experiences I had enjoyed throughout the day.
As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that this journey from Sigiriya to Kandy had been a truly unforgettable adventure. From the ancient temples and spice gardens to the glittering gems and sacred relics, every moment had been a testament to the incredible beauty and diversity of central Sri Lanka.( to be continued)