Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a significant religious site in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, established in the 1870s. It was founded to provide a sanctuary for disciples of the revered monk Aluthgama Sangharatne and was generously funded by local resident Elliyas Fernando. Over time, the temple has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, evolving into a complex housing various important structures and relics.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 1870s to shelter disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne.
- ›Construction and expansion were primarily funded by wealthy local resident Elliyas Fernando.
- ›Features include a relic chamber, a shrine house (Vihara Mandira), stupas, a preaching hall, a Bo-Tree, and a bell tower.
- ›The temple houses stupas containing relics of historical and religious significance.
- ›Currently led by Parakaduwe Saranankara, who also holds leadership roles in several other Buddhist organizations and temples.
- ›The stone inscription indicates the temple was offered to monks by Elliyas Fernando in 1867 AD (2411 Buddhist era).
Important Relationships
- Aluthgama Sangharatne (monk)
- Elliyas Fernando (benefactor)
- Sumanatissa Thera (former head monk)
- Vimalajoti Tissa (former head monk)
- Parakaduwe Saranankara (current leader)
Relic Chamber, Vihara Mandira, Stupas Containing Relics, Bo-Tree, Bell Tower
- Construction of the Initial Hall In 1873.
- Renaming of the Hall To 'Dharma Salava' Due To Increased Capacity and Popularity.
- Construction of Stupas During the Leadership of Sumanatissa Thera.
- Addition of the Preaching Hall, Bo-Tree, and Bell Tower Under Vimalajoti Tissa.
About Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a significant Buddhist religious site located in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Its establishment dates back to the 1870s, with the primary intention of providing a sanctuary for the disciples of the respected monk Aluthgama Sangharatne, who drew large crowds to hear his sermons.
History and Development
The temple's origins are closely tied to Aluthgama Sangharatne's arrival in the Etanamadala village in the Kalutara District in 1873. He resided in a jungle hermitage near the Kalu Ganga River, where villagers would gather to hear his teachings. A wealthy local resident, Elliyas Fernando, became deeply impressed by Sangharatne's sermons and committed himself to funding the temple's construction and ongoing development. Initially, a small hall named Katti-paha was built to facilitate these sermons, which later underwent renovations and expansions to accommodate a growing number of devotees, eventually being renamed Dharma Salava.
Elliyas Fernando's generosity extended to funding a structure referred to as a "mansion for Buddha," which has since been transformed into the Vihara Mandira, a shrine house described as "a place of many splendors." A stone inscription at the temple confirms Fernando's dedication, stating the temple was offered to the monks in 1867 AD (2411 Buddhist era). Beyond Fernando's contributions, the temple complex has seen further development under subsequent leaders. During the tenure of Sumanatissa Thera (1881-1920), stupas containing significant relics were erected. Later, under Vimalajoti Tissa (1934-1959), additions such as a preaching hall, a Bo-Tree, and a bell tower were completed.
Current Leadership and Significance
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple continues to be an active religious center. Since 1976, the temple has been led by Parakaduwe Saranankara, who also holds prominent positions as the chief monk of the Buddhist Monetary Council of Kalutara and other related councils and temples in Colombo and Sri Lanka. The temple remains a place of religious importance, housing relics and serving as a center for Buddhist practice and pilgrimage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple built?
Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple was built during the 1870s. The stone inscription on the shrine house provides a specific date of 1867 AD (2411 Buddhist era) for its offering to the monks.
Who funded the construction of Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple?
The construction and subsequent expansion of Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple were funded by a wealthy local resident named Elliyas Fernando. He was impressed by the sermons of monk Aluthgama Sangharatne and became his primary benefactor.
What are some notable features of Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple?
The temple complex includes a relic chamber, a shrine house known as the Vihara Mandira, stupas containing relics, a preaching hall, a Bo-Tree, and a bell tower. These structures have been added and developed over various periods of the temple's history.
Who has led Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple in recent times?
Since 1976, the temple leader has been Parakaduwe Saranankara. He also holds significant leadership positions in the Buddhist Monetary Council of Kalutara and other Buddhist organizations and temples in Sri Lanka.
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