Thursday, May 27, 2010

Kadurugoda Temple

There is a historical place called 'Kandarodei' situated in the midst of palmyrah trees beyond Manipai about 10 Kilometres away from Jaffna. There are small dagobas numbering 61 scattered over about 1/2 acre land. Those small structures are constructed with ash-coloured stone. Some dagobas have only the foundation.
The special feature of these ancient Buddhist structures is that there are no square shape constructions above the global structures; Instead of that , There are are umbrella shape structures one above the other next to the global structures.

This place is believed to have called Kadurugoda Vihara in the past. History of these structures go beyond 2000 years.

A Buddha statue, Bodhisaththa statue, a stone scripture and some coins believed to be in the 1st and 2nd centuries were found in this area. They are preserved at Jaffna museum.
It is believed that the relics of 60 Arhats are deposited in the small dagobas. There is a record that a special dagoba with the Buddha's relics was in this premises.

According to the history ,about 2000 years before there lived 60 Arhats in Jaffna peninsula preaching Dhamma and practising meditation. Owing to a famine in the area all the 60 Arhants passed-away.
Their bodies had been cremated and the ashes deposited in the small dagobas constructed later.

How to get there
Proceed from Jaffna – Kankasanturei road up to Chunnakam Junction, turn left and proceed another 3 kilometers to reach to thi temple complex.

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