Solosmasthana

Solosmasthana are 16 sacred places in Sri Lanka, believed by Buddhists to have been hallowed by visits of Gautama Buddha. 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. But there are no reliable source proves this matter. Professor senarath paranavithana in his day announced that he was not able to say that Buddha visited Sri Lanka, due to lack of archaeological evidence. The Mahavamsa says that he conquered the yakshas 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 Dhamma 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. 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.

Name Pali name Construction Date LocationImage Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara Mahiyanganam Built during the lifetime of Buddha, it is the first ever stupa to be constructed in Sri Lanka. The temple enshrines a lock of hair given by Buddha to Saman, a local chieftain and later a Buddhist deity, during his first visit to the island, 9 months after attaining enlightenment. 6th century BC Mahiyangana, Uva Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya Nagadipam Constructed by the two warring Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, on the site where Buddha, during his second visit to Sri Lanka, intervened and mediated in settling a dispute over the possession of a gem studded throne. This throne was later enshrined in this stupa. Nagadeepa, Northern Province Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Kalyanam Built by Naga king Maniakkika, the temple, hallowed during the third and final visit of Buddha to Sri Lanka enshrines a gem studded throne on which the Buddha sat and preached.සමනළ කන්ද Padalancanam, Samantakutam The sacred left footprint imprinted by Buddha on his third visit to Sri Lanka at the apex of the mountain. Vijayabahu I first built resting houses for pilgrims during his reign. 519/520 BC Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Diva Guhava Sudagala, Sabaragamuwa Deegavapi Raja Maha Viharayaදීඝවාපි Dighavapi Constructed by Saddha Tissa enshrining relics of the Buddha, at the site where Buddha spent sometime with Arhants absorbed in ecstatic meditation, during his final visit. Cetiyanca Mutiyanganam Erected by Devanampiya Tissa enshrining relics of Buddha. The site has been consecrated by Lord Buddha, who spent a few moments absorbed in ecstatic meditation. Tissa Mahaviharanca Built by Kavan Tissa it is one of the largest stupas in Ruhuna. The Silpasena Pirivena has been at this site.ජය ශ්‍රී මහා බොධිය Bodhi The southern branch from the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya under which Buddha attained Enlightenment. Planted during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa. 288 BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province Mirisawetiya Vihara Maricavattiyam Built by Dutugamunu with the relic studded sceptre of the King deposited in the stupa. 2nd century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province Ruwanwelisaya Suvarnamali Maha Ceti Built by Dutugamunu over an impressive collection of relics. Tuparama A relic shrine, the original structure was built by Devanampiya Tissa. The temple built to contain the right Clavicle of Buddha. 246 BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province Abhayagiri vihāra Abhayagiri Constructed on the site of a Jaina temple by Valagamba to commemorate the reconquering of the kingdom from foreign usurpers who had deposed him and occupied the throne for 15 year. The stupa enshrines relics of Buddha and the Tripitaka inscribed in gold leaves. 2nd century BC Anuradhapura, North Central Province Jetavanaramayaජේතවනාරාමය Jetavanam Construction begun by Mahasena and finished by his successor Sirimeghavanna. The waist band used by Buddha is said to be enshrined. Sela Caitiyam Lanja Tissa. The site where Arahat Mahinda Thero met Devanampiya Tissa and converted him to Buddhism. The Urna Roma, the sacred hair relic between the eyebrows, is said to be enshrined in here. Thathakacaragamakam First built by King Mahasena, the temple enshirnes the golden seat, from which Buddha delivered a sermon, a lock of hair and the royal sword (magul kaduwa) used by Prince Siddhartha to cut off his hair at the time of the Great Renunciation. 3rd century BC Monaragala, Uva