Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya
Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It holds significant historical importance as the site where the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling was temporarily housed overnight during its journey to Anuradhapura, with local tradition suggesting a branch was planted there, potentially making it the first Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka. The temple complex features numerous ruins and an archaeological museum, underscoring its historical and religious value.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 3rd century BC, making it an ancient Buddhist site.
- ›Believed to be where the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sapling was kept overnight during its transport to Anuradhapura.
- ›Local tradition suggests a branch of the Bodhi tree was planted at Thanthirimale, possibly making it the first Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka.
- ›The temple complex contains numerous ruins, including stone statues and ponds.
- ›Reestablished by Buddhist monks in the 1960s after being unidentified until the early 19th century.
- ›Features an archaeological museum on-site.
Important Relationships
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- Site Where Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling Was Temporarily Housed
- Bo Tree Planted On A Large Stony Layer
- Stone Statues
- Stone Ponds
- Archaeological Museum
- the Pot Containing the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Sapling Was Kept Overnight At the Site.
About Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya
Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara
Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka, approximately 40 km northwest of Anuradhapura city. The temple, situated in a rock-covered area, is considered a historically significant site, with its origins tracing back to the 3rd century BC. It holds a special place in Sri Lankan Buddhist history as the location where the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was kept overnight en route to Anuradhapura. Local tradition also suggests that a branch from this sacred tree was planted at Thanthirimale, potentially marking it as the first Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka. The Bo Tree is notably situated atop a large stony layer, which has likely aided in its preservation.
The temple complex is characterized by numerous ruins, including stone statues and several stone ponds, providing a glimpse into its past grandeur. For a period, the site remained unidentified until the early 19th century. In the 1960s, Buddhist monks undertook the task of reestablishing the temple. Today, Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara is not only a place of historical and religious significance but also features an archaeological museum, offering valuable insights into the region's heritage.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara founded?
Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara was founded in the third century BC, making it a very ancient Buddhist temple with a long historical lineage.
What is the historical significance of Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara regarding the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi?
The temple is historically significant because the pot containing the sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was kept overnight at Thanthirimale during its journey to Anuradhapura. Some believe a branch was planted there, potentially making it the first Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka.
What are the main features of the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara complex?
The temple complex is rich with ruins, including two stone statues and several stone ponds. It also houses an archaeological museum for visitors to explore.
When was Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara reestablished?
After remaining unidentified until the beginning of the 19th century, the temple was reestablished by Buddhist monks in the 1960s.
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