Monday, June 29, 2015

Days 18 & 19: Riddi Viharaya temple


67.5 ft granite Buddha carved into natural formation.

Today we pilgrimaged to Riddi Viharaya or "Silver Temple" temple, northwest of Kandy which dates back to 2 BCE in the village of Ridigama. This location was the source of silver ore that was used to build the Ruwanwelisaya which is one of the largest stupa in the country.

Entrance into Riddi Viharaya...no photos allowed inside where there is a 20 ft sleeping Buddha statue.

A stupa or "mound" contains relics, often the bones of monks and is considered a powerful place to meditate.
Another precious relic encased by a golden Buddha before entering the temple.
The granite Buddha was unveiled in April 2015 after a decade of construction and carving. It was made in response to the destruction of relics in 2001 in other parts of Asia to as a symbol of peace and unity.



We stopped at Kurunegale Lake for a late lunch.
Kurunegale Lake







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