Hello everyone,
Last week marked a holiday for us Buddhists, and on that day, all the family members were at home. We decided to embark on a tour to visit two renowned temples in our village. Our first destination was the well-known Hirigal Temple located in Koggala village, Sri Lanka. This temple holds a prominent position due to its historical and cultural significance in the region. We paid our respects at the temple, and you can view our visit in the pictures below.
Hirigal Temple is renowned for its tranquil and serene surroundings, making it a sought-after destination for foreign tourists. It serves as both a place of relaxation and pilgrimage. The temple showcases traditional Sri Lankan architectural elements and designs, typically characterized by intricate woodwork, vibrant paintings, and finely crafted sculptures. However, during our visit, we noticed that it was undergoing repairs, with the removal of deteriorating woodwork.
Also, the visitors and devotees like to visit this temple on Poha day once a month because of the peaceful atmosphere.
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So, on the same day, we returned home and set out for the Kachchiwatta Ancient Temple, which is situated in proximity to Galle city. Unlike some other temples, it's set within an urban environment and lacks the serene tranquility found in more remote locations. Nevertheless, this temple boasts a rich history and significant cultural importance.
Kachchiwatta Ancient Temple showcases its unique architectural elements and designs, characterized by intricate woodwork, exquisite paintings, and finely crafted sculptures. During our visit, we even had the opportunity to contribute to its maintenance. Our child has a special affection for this temple, primarily because it's known for the generous fruit offerings made here. The temple's fruit treats have endeared it to our child.
Frequently, images of the main deity are present in the temple. Encircling this central shrine, you'll find various structures like rupa nyasa (buildings housing statues or images of deities), which are often beautifully adorned. These serve as places of worship and meditation, where visitors and devotees gather to offer prayers, make offerings, and seek spiritual guidance from religious leaders.
Additionally, there is a beautiful Shreeka garden within this temple. This is how our day unfolded. I intended to share this with you in a previous post but didn't get the chance. Have a wonderful day!