Gokanna Vihara
Gokanna Vihara was an ancient Buddhist temple historically situated in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, near the entrance of Fort Frederick. The Mahavamsa chronicle indicates its construction by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, replacing a Hindu temple on Swami Rock.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
- ›Built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD (275–301 AD).
- ›Replaced a Shiva temple situated on Swami Rock.
- ›Modified in the reign of King Agbo V with the addition of a preaching hall.
- ›Associated with ancient Tamil rock inscriptions mentioning the destruction of a Hindu temple by the Portuguese.
Important Relationships
- King Mahasen
- King Agbo V
- Bodhi Tree
- Submerged Buddhist and Hindu Sculptures Found In the Sea
- Replaced A Shiva Temple On Swami Rock.
- Addition of A Preaching Hall By King Agbo V.
- Destruction of A Hindu Temple By the Portuguese .
About Gokanna Vihara
Gokanna Vihara was an ancient Buddhist temple historically located in Trincomalee, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Situated within the premises of Fort Frederick, near its entrance, the temple's origins are detailed in ancient chronicles.
History and Significance
The Mahavamsa, a key historical text of Sri Lanka, records that Gokanna Vihara was established by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD (275–301 AD). Its construction involved the demolition of a pre-existing Shiva temple that stood on Swami Rock, the very site where the Koneswaram Kovil is located today. Further historical accounts indicate that during the reign of King Agbo V, the temple complex was enhanced with the addition of a preaching hall.
Evidence from a Tamil rock inscription found near the fort's main entrance suggests that the Hindu temple at this location was destroyed by the Portuguese. This Hindu temple was subsequently rebuilt in 1963. While the original Buddhist structure of Gokanna Vihara is no longer extant, recent discoveries include submerged Buddhist and Hindu sculptures found in the nearby sea area, brought ashore by divers, hinting at the rich religious history of the site.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Gokanna Vihara built?
Gokanna Vihara was built in the 3rd century AD, specifically between 275 and 301 AD, by King Mahasen.
What was located at the site before Gokanna Vihara?
According to the Mahavamsa chronicle, a Shiva temple existed on Swami Rock where Gokanna Vihara was built.
Were there any modifications made to Gokanna Vihara after its initial construction?
Yes, the temple was modified in the reign of King Agbo V, who added a preaching hall.
What is the current status of Gokanna Vihara?
Historical records indicate that the original temple was replaced by a Hindu temple, which was later rebuilt. Recent discoveries include submerged Buddhist and Hindu sculptures found in the nearby sea.
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