Solosmasthana
Encyclopedia
Solosmasthana are 16 sacred places in Sri Lanka
, believed by Buddhists to have been hallowed by visits of Gautama Buddha
. These places of worship are among the most important religious locations in Sri Lanka, and are located throughout the country. Ancient Buddhist and historical sources of Sri Lanka assert that the Buddha visited the country on three occasions. These three visits are given in some detail in the ancient chronicle Mahavamsa
, which describes his journeys to eleven of the Solosmasthana. Other sources such as the Pujavaliya, Samantapasadika
and Butsarana also mention these visits.
. The Mahavamsa says that he conquered the yaksha
s there and sent them to an island named Giri, thereby setting the background for the establishment of Buddhism in the country later on, where the Buddha knew that the dharma
would prevail "in all its glory". The Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka was made to Nagadipa in the fifth year after attaining enlightenment, where he settled a dispute between Naga
kings Chulodara and Mahodara regarding a jeweled chair. In the eighth year after enlightenment, the Buddha made his third and final visit to the country accompanied by 500 bhikkhus. This visit was to Kelaniya
and was due to an invitation by a Naga king named Maniakkika, who had asked the Buddha to come to his kingdom during the previous visit. After a discourse on Dharma at Maniakkika's abode, the Mahavamsa records that the Buddha visited Samantakuta
, Diva Guhava
, Dighavapi
, and the places where the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya
, Thuparamaya
and Sela Cetiya
now stand. The Samantapasadika mentions that the Buddha also visited Muthiyangana during this visit. It is possible that the other sites may have been included in Solosmasthana because of the monumental stupas built by Buddhist kings at these locations.
With the decline of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura
and Polonnaruwa
, most of the Solosmasthana were abandoned. It was not until the 20th century that all of them received the attention of the Sangha
and Buddhists in the country and were renovated. A Pali
gatha
, praising the Solosmasthana, is in use among Buddhists. This gatha, which lists all of the Solosmasthana, is recited especially when making offerings to the Buddha.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, believed by Buddhists to have been hallowed by visits of Gautama Buddha
Gautama Buddha
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha Siddhārtha Gautama (Sanskrit: सिद्धार्थ गौतम; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual teacher from the Indian...
. These places of worship are among the most important religious locations in Sri Lanka, and are located throughout the country. Ancient Buddhist and historical sources of Sri Lanka assert that the Buddha visited the country on three occasions. These three visits are given in some detail in the ancient chronicle Mahavamsa
Mahavamsa
The Mahavamsa is a historical poem written in the Pali language, of the kings of Sri Lanka...
, which describes his journeys to eleven of the Solosmasthana. Other sources such as the Pujavaliya, Samantapasadika
Samantapasadika
Samantapasadika refers to a collection of Pali commentaries on Theravada Tipitaka Vinaya. It was a translation of Sinhala commentaries into Pali by Buddhaghosa in the 5th century. Many of the verses used in Samanthapasadika are from older Dípavamsa....
and Butsarana also mention these visits.
Early history
The first visit was made to Mahiyangana in the ninth month after the Buddha attained enlightenmentBodhi
Bodhi is both a Pāli and Sanskrit word traditionally translated into English with the word "enlightenment", but which means awakened. In Buddhism it is the knowledge possessed by a Buddha into the nature of things...
. The Mahavamsa says that he conquered the yaksha
Yaksha
Yaksha is the name of a broad class of nature-spirits, usually benevolent, who are caretakers of the natural treasures hidden in the earth and tree roots. They appear in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology. The feminine form of the word is ' or Yakshini .In Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist mythology,...
s there and sent them to an island named Giri, thereby setting the background for the establishment of Buddhism in the country later on, where the Buddha knew that the dharma
Dharma (Buddhism)
Dhamma or Dharma in Buddhism can have the following meanings:* The state of Nature as it is * The Laws of Nature considered collectively....
would prevail "in all its glory". The Buddha's second visit to Sri Lanka was made to Nagadipa in the fifth year after attaining enlightenment, where he settled a dispute between Naga
Naga people of Sri Lanka
The Nāka people were the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka who ruled Nagadeepa or Nāka Nadu - the coastal districts of mostly Western and Northern Ceylon, particularly the Jaffna peninsula from the 6th century BCE to 3rd century CE...
kings Chulodara and Mahodara regarding a jeweled chair. In the eighth year after enlightenment, the Buddha made his third and final visit to the country accompanied by 500 bhikkhus. This visit was to Kelaniya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera....
and was due to an invitation by a Naga king named Maniakkika, who had asked the Buddha to come to his kingdom during the previous visit. After a discourse on Dharma at Maniakkika's abode, the Mahavamsa records that the Buddha visited Samantakuta
Adam's Peak
Sri Pada , is a tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka...
, Diva Guhava
Diva Guhava
The Batatotalena Cave, also known as the Diva Guhava in Buddhist literature, is a cave system in Sudagala, away from the town of Kuruwita, in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka....
, Dighavapi
Dighavapi
Deegavapi or Dighavapi , or Digavapi is a Buddhist sacred shrine and an archaeological site in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka, boasting of historical records dating back to the third century before CE. The name itself means, in Pali and in Sanskrit, Long Tank...
, and the places where the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya
The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated...
, Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya
Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration.Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the...
and Sela Cetiya
Sela Cetiya
Sela Cetiya is one of the 16 main places of worship or Solosmasthana and is situated to the west of Jetavanaramaya in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This was constructed by King Lajjitissa who ruled in the 1st century BC. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 37 ½ feet. This...
now stand. The Samantapasadika mentions that the Buddha also visited Muthiyangana during this visit. It is possible that the other sites may have been included in Solosmasthana because of the monumental stupas built by Buddhist kings at these locations.
With the decline of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura Kingdom
The Anuradhapura Kingdom , named for its capital city, was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka. Founded by King Pandukabhaya in 377 BC, the kingdom's authority extended throughout the country, although several independent areas emerged from time to time, which grew more numerous...
and Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Kingdom
The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was the kingdom from which Sri Lankan kings ruled the island from the 8th century until 1310 CE.-Founding:The city is situated on the left bank of River Mahaweli...
, most of the Solosmasthana were abandoned. It was not until the 20th century that all of them received the attention of the Sangha
Sangha
Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose...
and Buddhists in the country and were renovated. A Pali
Páli
- External links :* *...
gatha
Gatha
Gatha is a type of metered and often rhythmic poetic verse or a phrase in the ancient Indian languages of Prakrit and Sanskrit. The word is originally derived from the Sanskrit/Prakrit root gai , which means, to speak, sing, recite or extol. Hence gatha can mean either speech, verse or a song...
, praising the Solosmasthana, is in use among Buddhists. This gatha, which lists all of the Solosmasthana, is recited especially when making offerings to the Buddha.
| Place | Pali nameThis is the name used to refer to the location in the pali gatha about Solosmasthana. | Built by | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahiyangana | Mahiyanganam | Saman Saman (deity) Saman is a deity, subject to local and indigenous belief and worship in Sri Lanka. The name Saman means "the rising morning sun"... , a local chieftain and later a Buddhist deity |
|
| Nagadeepa Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Jaffna district of Northern Province, which is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines Solosmasthana in Sri Lanka... |
Nagadipam | Naga Naga people of Sri Lanka The Nāka people were the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka who ruled Nagadeepa or Nāka Nadu - the coastal districts of mostly Western and Northern Ceylon, particularly the Jaffna peninsula from the 6th century BCE to 3rd century CE... kings Chulodara and Mahodara |
|
| Kelaniya Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera.... |
Kalyanam | Naga Naga people of Sri Lanka The Nāka people were the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka who ruled Nagadeepa or Nāka Nadu - the coastal districts of mostly Western and Northern Ceylon, particularly the Jaffna peninsula from the 6th century BCE to 3rd century CE... king Maniakkika |
|
| Sri Pada | Padalancanam | — | |
| Diva Guhava Diva Guhava The Batatotalena Cave, also known as the Diva Guhava in Buddhist literature, is a cave system in Sudagala, away from the town of Kuruwita, in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka.... |
Divaguham | — | |
| Deegavapi | Dighavapi | Saddha Tissa Saddha Tissa of Sri Lanka Saddha Tissa was an early monarch of the kingdom of Anuradhapura, based at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura from 137 BC to 119 BC. Saddha Tissa was the son of Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna and the brother of Dutthagamani.-External links :* *... |
|
| Muthiyangana | Cetiyanca Mutiyanganam | Indika, a local chieftain and later a Buddhist deity | |
| Tissamaharama | Tissa Mahaviharanca | Kavan Tissa | |
| Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi | Bodhinn | Planted during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa | |
| Mirisavetiya Mirisaveti Stupa The Mirisaveti Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath he returned to the place... |
Maricavattiyam | Dutthagamani | |
| Ruwanwelisaya Ruwanwelisaya The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated... |
Suvarnamali Maha Ceti | Dutthagamani | |
| Thuparamaya Thuparamaya Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration.Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the... |
Tuparama | Devanampiya Tissa | |
| Abhayagiriya Abhayagiri Dagaba Abhayagiri vihāra is situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many... |
Bhayagirim | Valagamba Valagamba of Sri Lanka Valagamba, also known as Vattagamani Abhaya and Valagambahu, was a king of the Anuradhapura Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Five months after becoming king, he was overthrown by a rebellion and an invasion from South India, but regained the throne by defeating the invaders after fourteen years... |
|
| Jetavanaramaya Jetavanaramaya The Jetavanaramaya is a stupa, located in the ruins of Jetavana Monastery in the sacred world heritage city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Mahasena initiated the construction of the stupa following the destruction of Mahavihara, his son Maghavanna Ithe construction of the stupa... |
Jetavanam | Mahasena Mahasena of Sri Lanka Mahasen, also known in some records as Mahasena, was a king of Sri Lanka who ruled the country from 275 to 301 AD. He started the construction of large tanks or reservoirs in Sri Lanka, and built sixteen such tanks... |
|
| Sela Cetiya Sela Cetiya Sela Cetiya is one of the 16 main places of worship or Solosmasthana and is situated to the west of Jetavanaramaya in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This was constructed by King Lajjitissa who ruled in the 1st century BC. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 37 ½ feet. This... |
Sela Caitiyam | Lanja Tissa Lanja Tissa of Sri Lanka Lanja Tissa, also known as Lamani Tiss, was an early monarch of Sri Lanka of the Anuradhapura Kingdom from 119 BC to 109 BC.-Reign:Lanja Tissa was the eldest son of king Saddha Tissa who ruled in Anuradhapura... |
|
| Kiri Vehera Kiri Vehera Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa built by King Mahasena and situated in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. It is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. This structure probably dates back to the 3rd century B.C.-External links:**... |
Thathakacaragamakam | Parakramabahu I/ Mahasena | |
| Seruvila Seruvila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Trincomalee district in Eastern Province, which is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines Solosmasthana in Sri Lanka.... |
Kavantissa Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna Kavan Tissa, also known as Kavantissa, Kaka Wanna Thissa, was the king of the Kingdom of Ruhuna in the southern part of Sri Lanka. He ruled Ruhuna, in the same time as Keleni Tissa of Maya Rata and the usurping Tamil king of Anuradhapura, Elara of South India, expanding and beautifying the city,... |
- Note : The total number of places which Lord Buddha visited are 16 or 17, during three visits to Sri LankaSri LankaSri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
, the fact still not concluded by the Buddhist authorities in Sri Lanka.