Kindom of Kandy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 14pt;">                              </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Sri Dalada Maligawa</span></span></st1:place></st1:city></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBgoDNDFI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dlFwKKY4G7A/s1600/300px-Templeofthetooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBgoDNDFI/AAAAAAAAAF0/dlFwKKY4G7A/s1600/300px-Templeofthetooth.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><br /> </span></st1:place></st1:city></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Kandy</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"> was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrain of mountains and the difficult approach <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kandy</st1:place></st1:city> managed to operate in independence from Dutch, Portuguese and the English till 1815. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in part due to this temple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The Sri Dalada Maligawa or The <st1:city w:st="on">Temple</st1:city> of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of <st1:city w:st="on">Kandy</st1:city> in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region>. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the one of the two surviving relic of the tooth of Buddha, an object of veneration for Buddhists. The other tooth relic is believed to be enshrined in a stupa called Somawathi Chetya. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBjStmAXI/AAAAAAAAAF4/rOCtYcVlH7U/s1600/day-perahera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBjStmAXI/AAAAAAAAAF4/rOCtYcVlH7U/s320/day-perahera.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The Sri Dalada Maligawa in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kandy</st1:place></st1:city>, the temple which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of The Buddha, is possibly the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world. It is venerated not only by Buddhists in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region> but by Buddhists all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBzuAmLnI/AAAAAAAAAGM/K5whSc1lFFQ/s1600/relic_casket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBzuAmLnI/AAAAAAAAAGM/K5whSc1lFFQ/s320/relic_casket.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592 - 1603), the first to select <st1:city w:st="on">Kandy</st1:city> as the ruling capital originally built a two storied <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Temple</st1:place></st1:city> for the Relic and brought the tooth relic from Delgamuwa near Kuruwita in Sabaragamuwa which has been hidden for protection. Remains of this temple no longer exist. Wimaladharmasuriya II (1686 - 1706) built a three storied temple and his son king Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1706 - 1738), the last Sinhalese king to rule the country, built a new two storied temple temple seeing that the old temple built by his father has decayed. The last king of Sri lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 - 1814) built the Pattirippuwa (the Octagon). Originally, the Pattirippuwa (octagon) was part of the royal palace. It was used by the king to address his follow countrymen. Today the Pattirippuwa has become a part of the temple and houses ancient textures written in ola leaves.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The entrance to the temple complex is through the "<i>Maha Vahalkada"</i>. There are two walls on the sides of the "<i>Vahalkada"</i>. The outer wall is called "<i>Walakulu Bamma</i>" (wall of clouds). This same pattern is also used in the wall surrounding the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kandy</st1:place></st1:city> lake. The inner wall is called "<i>Diyareli Bamma</i>" (wall of water ripples). Both these walls are built with holes to place oil lanterns during the night.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBwNM0BTI/AAAAAAAAAGE/n7yHKHCSqJs/s1600/patterntem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBwNM0BTI/AAAAAAAAAGE/n7yHKHCSqJs/s320/patterntem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">After passing the "<i>Vahalkada</i>" and the moat, you come to a "<i>Makara Thorana</i>". Next is the tunnel "<i>ambarawa</i>". Passing this you come to the ground floor of the temple complex. The lower floor of the building called "<i>pallemaluwa</i>". This inner chamber is fortified with a large wooden door and decorated with bronze and ivory. The area in front of the door is called the "<i>Hevisi Mandapaya</i>" (Drummers Courtyard) where the daily rituals are carried out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBo789AvI/AAAAAAAAAF8/MZ5x2RiwnHU/s1600/Kandy-Perahera04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBo789AvI/AAAAAAAAAF8/MZ5x2RiwnHU/s320/Kandy-Perahera04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The tooth relic is kept in the upper floor in the chamber called "<i>Vadahitina Maligawa</i>" The door ot this chamber is covered with gold silver and ivory. The tooth relic is encased in seven gold caskets studded with precious stones. The outer casket is studded by precious stones offered to the tooth relic by various rulers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">On the right to the relic is the "<i>Perahara Karanduwa</i>" (relic chamber used in the annual<span style="text-decoration: none;"> Asala Mangalaya perahara</span>procession) kept inside a bullet proof glass display. This has been donated by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Over the relic chamber there is a golden lotus flower studded with precious stones hanging from the ceiling. In respect of the reliability, the account of the perahera held on the August 19, 1817 given to the British Governor of Ceylon by Millawa Disawe (chieftain) of Vellassa region and appearing in the Government Gazette of the September 13, 1817 is more authentic. This account begins with reference to the preliminary ritualistic practice-erection of sacred poles (Kap) - and is followed by a description of the whole procession.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpByiKjawI/AAAAAAAAAGI/qUDtuChKHEc/s1600/thumb_big_normal_20e5ce09e567f55fabcccc97af4e07c3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpByiKjawI/AAAAAAAAAGI/qUDtuChKHEc/s320/thumb_big_normal_20e5ce09e567f55fabcccc97af4e07c3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The Buddhist priests of the Maligawa bring to the gate of their temple the dhatukaranduwa and place it in the ranhilige on the back of an elephant, who remains at the gate. In the meantime the procession moves from the gate of the Maligawa, where the Relic of the Buddha is waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBrEGGtjI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Z-eADN3rLrA/s1600/n1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUpBrEGGtjI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Z-eADN3rLrA/s320/n1a.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The procession is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The King’s elephants with gajanayake.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Gingals with Kodituwakku Lekam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of the Four Korales, Disavane, carrying gingals, muskets and flags with the disava and petty chiefs of that Disavane.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of the Seven Korales.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">These of Uva.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of Matale.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">7.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of Sabaragamuwa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">8.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of Valapane.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">9.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of Udapalatha.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">10.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The bamboos or images representing devils covered with cloths.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">11.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The elephant of the Maligawa bearing the shrine followed by other elephants and the people of the Maligawa who precede the Diyavadana Nilame and Nanayakkara Lekam With umbrellas, talipat, flags, fans, shields, tom-toms, drums, flutes, etc. accompanied by dancers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">12.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The elephant of the Natha Devale bearing the bow and arrow of the God, attended by the women of the temple, and followed by the Basnayake Nilame with the same pomp of attendants as the former.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">13.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The elephants, bow and arrows, and people of the maha Vishnu Devala.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">14.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of the Katharagama Devala.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">15.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Of the Pattini Devala.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">16.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">the people of the Maha Lekam Departments carrying muskets and flags and proceeding their chiefs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">17.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of the Atapattu department, similarly equipped, followed by the Atapattu Lekam, and the Ratemahatmayas of Udunuwara, yatinuwara, Tumpane, Harispattu, Dumbara, Hewaheta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">18.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of Vedikkara Department, followed by their Lekam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">19.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of the Vadanatuvakku department with their Lekam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">20.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">The people of the Padikara department and their Lekam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The procession was very grand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Maha Lekam Mahatmaya with the Lekam mitiya and writing style.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Gajanayake Nilame with the Hastiya (elephant) Maha Kodiya (flag).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Kodituwakku Nilame with the Kodituvakku (gun flag) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Ketara Korale Disave with the Ira-sanda (sun and moon) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Sat Korale Disave with the Sinha (lion) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Uva Disave with the Hansaya (sacred goose) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">7.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Matale Disave with the Sudu (White) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">8.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Sabaragamuwa Disave with the Pataredi (Yellow Silk) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">9.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">   </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Tun Korale disave with the Bheru (Double headed eagle) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">10.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Valapane Disave with the Mayura (Peacock) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">11.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Uda Palata Disave with the Nelum Mal (Lotus flower) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">12.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Nuwara Kalaviya Disave with the Gajasinghe (elephant trunk lion) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">13.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Vellasse Disave with the Kotiya (Leopard) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">14.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Bintenne Disave with the Girava (Parrot) Maha Kodya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">15.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Tamankaduwe Disave with the Valaha (Bear) Maha Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">16.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Elephant of the Maligawa, bearing the shrine and Tooth Relic attended by other elephants and the people of the Maligawa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">17.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Elephant and people of the four devales: Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Pattini.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">18.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Ratemahatemayas and their flags.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">19.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Maha Lekam Department - Atkanda Lihiniya Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">20.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Nanayakkara Lekam - Nil pata (blue silk) Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">21.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Atapattu Lakam.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">22.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Vedikkara Lekam - Ratu pata (Red silk) Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">23.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Vadana Ruvakkukara Lekam - Sudu pata (White silk) Kodiya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">24.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">                     </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14pt;">Panidakara Lekam - Ratu pata (Red silk) Kodiya. The two Adigars brought up the rear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div></div>

Kindom of Kandy

                               Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrai...

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Anuradahapura

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: navy; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">                                                   </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/"> Anuradahapura</a></span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><br /> </strong><b>(3rd BC - 10th AD)</b>Several centuries before the Jesus Christ, while the Greek empire was at its zenith, many other regions were emerging from the stone age; Anurdhapura was already and advanced civilization. The city was well laid out and well linked.  Irrigated by sophisticated systems of man-made lake s and canals, this city was a world trade center. This is evidenced by the Greek merchant guide book titled "purples of the Erythraen Sea", Ptolemy's first ever map, and further by monk travelers Fa Hien and Buddagosha of, the 5th century,<a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Anuradhapuraya</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">                          Jaya Sri maha bodiya</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxzu7fXFI/AAAAAAAAAFM/uhex2u0Na5w/s1600/srimaha1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxzu7fXFI/AAAAAAAAAFM/uhex2u0Na5w/s320/srimaha1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Sri Maha bodhiya</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">is perhaps the oldest living tree in the world. Around 245 BC, Sanghamitta Theri brought with her a branch of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightment. The tree was planted on a high terrace about 21 feet (6.5 m) above the ground and surrounded by railings. Today, the tree is one of the most sacred relics in </span><st1:country-region style="color: orange;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">, respected by Buddhists all over the world. A wall was built around the tree during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha, to protect it from wild elephants.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">                                                         </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Ruwanweliseya</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUozKhNZXWI/AAAAAAAAAFU/agP_cufwdpg/s1600/z_p-13-ruwanweliseya-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUozKhNZXWI/AAAAAAAAAFU/agP_cufwdpg/s320/z_p-13-ruwanweliseya-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Ruwanweliseya</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every monastery has a dagoba. Ruvanveliseya is the dagoba of Maha Vihara. It was built by a Sinhalese hero <b>King Dutugemunu</b> in the 2nd century B.C. The architect ingeniously combined the Buddhist philosophy in the architectural conception. He conceived this as a bubble of milk: representing life, which will burst in no time just like the fragility of our lives. Its dome represents the vastness of the doctrine; the four facets of the box oh top represents the four noble truths. The concentric rings there after indicate the noble eightfold path that leads man to illumination. The illumination: the whole truth is light and transparent like the rock crystal at the pinnacle. The 1956's restoration curb on the dome is much to the chagrin of the purists: which looks flatter than bubbly. <br /> Ruvanweliseya is opposite the museum. It was begun to house relics; priests from all over <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> were recorded as being present at the enshrinement of the relics in 140 BC. A huge dagaba, It is surrounded by the remains of lots of buildings. you can see the columns often no more than 500 cm in height dotted around in the grass underneath huge rain trees where monkeys play. The dome is 80m in diameter at its base and 53m high. A small passage leads to the relic chamber. At the cardinal points are four ' chapels' which were reconstructed in 1873, when renovation started. The restoration has flattened the shape of the dome, and some of the painting is of questionable style, but it remains a remarkably striking monument. Today, you may find watching the dagaba being "white washed"- an interesting spectacle. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                            </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Thuparamaya</a></span></strong></span></span></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUox2xy5VTI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/sCEPcDjppFQ/s1600/thupa.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUox2xy5VTI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/sCEPcDjppFQ/s1600/thupa.gif" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><br /> </div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Thuparamaya</span></strong><span style="color: orange;">. Thera Mahinda himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ceylon</st1:place></st1:country-region>. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered as the first dagaba built in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sri Lanka</st1:place></st1:country-region>, after the introduction of Buddhism. This chetiya was built in the shape of a heap of paddy. This dagaba was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of King Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the King restored it. What we have today is the construction of the dagaba, done in 1862 AD. As it is today, after several renovations, in the course of the centuries, the monument has a diameter of 59 ft (18 m), at the base. The dome is 11 feet 4 inches (3.45 m) in height from the ground, 164½ ft (50.1 m) in diameter. The compound is paved with granite and there are 2 rows of stone pillars round the dagaba. During the early period vatadage was built round the dagaba.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                          </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/"> Lovamahapaya</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo1GITHmdI/AAAAAAAAAFc/tUqtMXaTrDw/s1600/12478_LOVAMAHAPAYA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo1GITHmdI/AAAAAAAAAFc/tUqtMXaTrDw/s320/12478_LOVAMAHAPAYA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Lovamahapaya</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">is situated between Ruvanveliseya and Sri Mahabodiya. It is also known as the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Brazen</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place> or Lohaprasadaya. In ancient times the building included the refectory and the uposathagara. (Uposatha house). There was also a simamalake where the sangha assembled on poya days to recite the formula of the confessional]. The famous Lohaprasada built by King Dutugemunu described as an edifice of nine storeys, was a building of this class. One side of the building was 400 ft (120 m) in length. As the roof was covered with tiles made of bronze, this was known as the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Brazen</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>. There are 40 rows, each row consisting of 40 stone pillars and a total of 1600 stone pillars were used for the building. It is believed that it took 6 years for the construction of the building and the plan was brought from the heavens. The building was completely destroyed during the reign of King Saddhatissa.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                                   </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/"> Abayagiriya</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxpty4PbI/AAAAAAAAAFA/R252rbqfMXI/s1600/abhayagiri.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxpty4PbI/AAAAAAAAAFA/R252rbqfMXI/s1600/abhayagiri.gif" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Abhayagiri Dagaba</span></strong><span style="color: orange;">. King Valagamba ascended the throne in 103 AD. He waged war with the Tamils and was defeated. When he fled, a Nigantha named Giri shouted words of derisive mockery at him. Later the king collected an army attacked the Tamils by slaying the last of their leaders, and recovered the throne he had lost. It is said that he demolished Nigantaramaya (the temple of the Niganthas) and built the Abhayagiri Vihara in the same premises. Shortly after this event, the monks of the Mahavihara took disciplinary action against one of the bhikkus of the Abhayagiri Vihara, for violating a rule of the vinaya. Thereafter the bhikkhus of the Abhayagiri Vihara founded a separate sect there. King Valagamba's reign is marked by an important event - the first schism in Buddhism in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ceylon</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Most learned bhikkhus lives in Abhayagiri Vihara. It consisted of a large library. It is recorded that during the reigns of King Voharakatissa and King Gothabhaya this library was destroyed and the heretical monks driven away. King Parakramabahu renovated Abhayagiri Vihara, then the height is said to have been 140 cubit]s. In the year 1875, Abhayagiri Vihara which had a diameter of 307 feet (94 m) at its base, stood to a height of 231 feet (70 m). The relics of the Buddha are said to have been enshrined in a figure of a bull made out of thick gold.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                           </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Jetawanaramaya</a></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo1w-2qWkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PMOYPMYdL8o/s1600/jethavana.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo1w-2qWkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/PMOYPMYdL8o/s1600/jethavana.gif" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Jetavanarama</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">.</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">King Mahasen (273-301 AD) built this largest stupa in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ceylon</st1:place></st1:country-region>, and possibly the whole world. A part of a sash tied by the Buddha is believed to be enshrined here. Its height is said to be 400 feet (120 m). This is considered as the largest stupa in the whole world. This stupa belongs to the Sagalika sect. The compound of the stupa is 8 acres (3 ha). One side of the stupa is 576 feet (176 m) in depth. The 4 flight of steps at the four sides is 28 feet (8.5 m) in depth. The doorpost to the shrine which is situated at the courtyard is 27 feet (8 m) in height. It is a foot (0.3 m) underground. There are some stone inscriptions in the courtyard with the names of donors inscribed.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                          <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_547330607"> </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Mirisaveti Stupa</a></span></strong></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo2bh58a7I/AAAAAAAAAFk/6fFytUWVnvs/s1600/5_380x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo2bh58a7I/AAAAAAAAAFk/6fFytUWVnvs/s320/5_380x0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Mirisaveti Stupa</span></strong><span style="color: orange;">. King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara, built the Mirisaveti Stupa. After placing the Buddha relics in the scepter, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the scepter. After the bath he returned to the place where the scepter was placed, and it is said that it could not be moved. The stupa was built in the place where the scepter stood. It is also said that he remembered that he partook a chilly curry without offering it to the sangha. In order to punish himself he built the Mirisavetiya Dagaba. The extent of this land is about 50 acres (20 ha). Although the king Kasyapa I and Kasyapa V renovated this, from time to time it was dilapidated. What stands today is the renovation done by the cultural Triangle Fund.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                             </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Lankaramaya</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo3-ts2O2I/AAAAAAAAAFs/BdMFWilmI_E/s1600/2460945299_61ae0147a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo3-ts2O2I/AAAAAAAAAFs/BdMFWilmI_E/s320/2460945299_61ae0147a5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Lankarama</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">was built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there has been a house built encircling the stupa (vatadage) to cover it. The round courtyard of the stupa seems to be 10 feet (3 m) above the ground. The diameter of the stupa is 45 feet (14 m). The courtyard is circular in shape and the diameter is 1332 feet (406 m).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 12px;">                                                                  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">isurumuniya</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUo4g9fbplI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WqsXhSZo7x8/s320/images+%25285%2529.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Isurumuniya</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">is situated near Tisawewa and was built by King Devanampiyatissa to house 500 newly-ordained children of high caste. King Kasyapa I (473-491 AD) renovated this viharaya and named it as "Boupulvan, Kasubgiri Radmaha Vehera". This name is derived from names of his 2 daughters and his name. There is a viharaya connected to a cave and above is a cliff. A small stupa is built on it. It can be seen that the constructional work of this stupa belong to the present period. Lower down on both sides of a cleft, in a rock that appears to rise out of a pool, have been carved the figures of elephants. On the rock is carved the figure of a horse. The carving of Isurumuniya lovers on the slab has been brought from another place and placed it there. A few yards away from this vihara is the Magul Uyana.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The ancient</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Magul Uyana</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">is situated close to Isurumuni Vihara and Tissawewa and contains several ponds. There are remains of small cells, seats made of stone steps, and taps of aesthetic sense. According to legend it is believed that Prince Saliya met Asokamala in this garden. The largest pond in this garden is 31 x 55 ft (9.5 x 17 m) in length and breadth. This is not a place of worship. [edit] Vessagiri About half a mile (1 km) to the south of Isurumuniya is situated Vessagiri on a mountains region. Scattered are 23 caves made of stone. Above the caves are inscribed the names of donors. These are the oldest inscriptions in </span><st1:country-region style="color: orange;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ceylon</st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> written in Brahmi script.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Rathna Prasadaya</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">was built by Kng Kanittha Tissa who ruled <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ceylon</st1:place></st1:country-region> from 167-186 AD. It is known that during the 8th and 10th centuries Mihindu II and Mihindu IV renovated that building. The bhikkhus of the Tapovana belonging to the Pansakulika sect resided here. Beautiful guard stones of the Abhayagiri Viharaya were found here. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Queen's Palace</strong>, containing the largest and the most beautiful moonstones, is near Ratna Prasadaya.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">According to an inscription, the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Dakkhina Stupa</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">was constructed by Uttiya, a Minister of King Valagamba. For sometime by an error it was considered as Elara's tomb. King Kanittha Tissa had build an alms hall, King Gottabhaya built an uposathagaraya, where the bhikkhis assembled for the ceremony of confession, while King Agbo I constructed a large building. The Bhikkhus of the Sagalika sect resided here. The most popularly known fact is that this stupa was constructed on the tomb of King Dutugemunu. Human bones that were collected were sent to </span><st1:country-region style="color: orange;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> and according to the scientific analysis it was revealed that these ashes belong to King Dutugemunu.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Sela Cetiya</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">is one of the 16 main places of worship and is situated to the west of Jetavanaramaya. This was constructed by King Lajjitissa who ruled in the first century BC. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 37½ feet (11.4 m). This stupa has been given this name as the platform and stupa has been constructed in stone. A moonstone and guardstones can be seen here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Naka Vihara</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">is a square-shaped stupa built of bricks. This is constructed according to an unusual model and would have been similar to the 7 storeyed building (Satmahal Prasadaya) in Polonnaruwa. Excavations done in this place reveal that there were several clay caskets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Kiribath Vehera</span></strong><span style="color: orange;">. The remains of this vihara shows that it is 30 feet (10 m) in height and the circumference is 425 feet (130 m). The date of construction and the king who built it, is unknown. In close proximity to this are the ruins of an image house. There is controversy whether the Pattamaka Chetiya built by King Devanampiyatissa is one and the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">                                            </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Kuttam pokuna</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxmw9NiRI/AAAAAAAAAE8/8DyvR8KmVJw/s320/250px-Anuradhapura_Kuttam-Pokuna.jpg" width="320" /></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most magnificent specimen of bathing tanks is the pair known as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Kuttam Pokuna</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anuradhapura</st1:place></st1:city>, near Abhayagiri Vihara. The garden which separates these 2 ponds is 18½ ft (5.6 m). The larger of this pair is 132 ft in length and 51 ft in breadth (40 by 15.5 m), while the smaller is 91 feet long, the breadth is the same (28 by 15.5 m). The depth of the smaller pond is 14 feet (4.3 m) and the larger pond is 18 feet (5.5 m). The sides and the bottom of the ponds were faced with well cut granite slabs. Round the pond is a magnificent wall. Leading to the pond are a beautiful flight of steps on both sides, and decorated with "punkalas" and scroll design. There were underground ducts bringing water into these ponds and others emptying them. A wall is built to enclose the ponds, and inside it is a small compound. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: 9pt;">                                                    </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">    <a href="http://finenaturesri.blogspot.com/">Samadhi Statue</a></span></strong></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxwSrivZI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ZbXyZNzQ5jA/s1600/samadhi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxwSrivZI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ZbXyZNzQ5jA/s320/samadhi.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Samadhi Statue</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">, The road north ( Sangaraja Mawatha) goes 1.5 km trough the site of the 11th century palace of Vijayabahu I to the superb statue of the serene Buddha with an expression depicting ' extinction of feeling and compassion'; some think the expression change as the sun's light moves across it. Roofed to protect it form the weather, it probably dates form the 3rd century AD. It is one of the more active religious sites it is adorned with lotus buds and payer flags</span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Mahamevuna Uyana. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Anuradhapura</st1:place></st1:city>,</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">"Samadhi Budu Pilimaya"</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">This limestone image of lord Buddha is dating from the 3rd Century.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Seated under a Bo tree, depicts the Lord Buddha in the serene state of Samadhi, or deep meditation. It's not secret why the Great Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru found solace and strength in a photograph of this statue when he was imprisoned by the British in 1940s.</span><br /> <span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">The kindness of Lord Buddha flows through the half closed eyes, Watch as as long as you like.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>This is the finest Meditation Buddha statue in the whole World</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b><br /> </b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">                                                          </span></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Sadakada pahana</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxhsk8m-I/AAAAAAAAAE0/MoJkaC5P89E/s1600/220px-Anuradhapura_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_n0y-sBIVzeg/TUoxhsk8m-I/AAAAAAAAAE0/MoJkaC5P89E/s320/220px-Anuradhapura_05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sadakada pahana</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The elaborate moonstone at its base is in itself a distinctive element of ancient sculpture in the island. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span">These semi-circular slabs of granite or gneiss acquired increasingly complex bands of decorations over the years. They range from the near abstract tongues of fire and bands of creeper vines - to symbolic interpretations of the four perils of life. The latter consists of the elephant, a symbol of birth, the bull indicative of decay; the lion, resent in disease. and the geese, a symbol of death. Some also band of geese, which represents the dist between good, and evil. To some, the moon-stone is symbolic of transcending worldly temptations and achieving nib bane.</span> At the heart of many moonstones is a lotus petal. Buddhists regard the lotus as a sacred flower, a symbol of the male and female creative forces that prevails throughout Sri Lankan art, architecture, sculpture and literature. It figures in the legend attached to the birth of the Buddha, when seven lotuses sprang into bloom at his feet as he took the first seven steps of his life. The lotus bloomed again in profusion at the moment he reached the state of Enlightenment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /> </div></div>

Anuradahapura

A                                                     Anuradahapura (3rd BC - 10th AD) Several centuries before the Jesus Christ, while th...

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