Thanthirimale paintings
Thanthirimale is a prominent Buddhist sacred place, situated about 40 kilometers north-west
to the city of Anuradhapura. The easiest access from Anuradhapura is to take Mahavilachchiya
road.
Alternatively, it can be accessed from Medawachchiya-Mannar road too, by turning at the Gajasinghe junction. The road conditions are moderate and can be reached within an hour or so from Anuradhapura. Tourists may have to bear the inconveniences caused by the road renovation work on the road through Gajasinghe junction, these days. Thanthirimale was officially declared as a sacred city in Poson season in 2007, by the government.
Alternatively, it can be accessed from Medawachchiya-Mannar road too, by turning at the Gajasinghe junction. The road conditions are moderate and can be reached within an hour or so from Anuradhapura. Tourists may have to bear the inconveniences caused by the road renovation work on the road through Gajasinghe junction, these days. Thanthirimale was officially declared as a sacred city in Poson season in 2007, by the government.
With the evidence of existence from around 3rd
century B.C., Thanthirimale is believed to have
been called as Thivakka Bamunugama (Village of
the Brahmin Thivakka) in the past. The significance
is charged for this place with the fact that,
during the sacred journey of the Sri Maha Bodhi from
the coast of Dambakolapatuna, bhikkuni
Sangamiththa and the escort had rested here for one night.
Brahmin Thivakka took priority in hosting the
procession as the area was under his supervision at that time.
Thanthirimale
According to folklore, Saliya, son of the great king Dutugemunu, who was expelled from the royal
family for the reason of marrying Ashokamala, lived in Thanthirimale for years. Eventually, the
couple was forgiven by the king and gifted with a golden necklace having a shape of a butterfly
known as “Thanthiri”. It is believed the name Thanthirimale was derived in relation to that.
Thanthirimale
Kudakongaskada Wmalagnana thero, who pioneered revamping this place of worship for the general public
in 1960s, is considered as the leader of the modern days of this temple. The thereo was assasinated
by terrorists in 1992. Thereafter, ven Thanthirimale Chandrarathana thero became the incumbent.
Thanthirimale
Thanthirimale
Having spread over a vast area exceeding 300 acres, one highlighted feature is the location of
the sacred Bo tree. Apparently, it is flourishing on the rock surface that accounts for over 250
acres of the coverage. This Bo tree is believed to be one of the eight sacred saplings obtained
from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
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