Explore Anuradha Arana Temple in Matale: A Tranquil Blend of Sri Lankan and Myanmar Culture
Located in Matale, Sri Lanka, the Anuradha Arana Temple is a temple that is so much more than a religious site: It is a peaceful, beautiful and cultural gem. It is the beautiful Buddhist temple that was founded in 2014 and is currently attracting not only spirituality-minded individuals, environmentalists, and tourists eager to get acquainted with the Sri Lankan-Burmese style of construction.
It was the same when at Anuradha Arana: a melody of a wind chime was played as soon as we entered the place to signify response of serenity. The temple list has been established by the Most. Ven. Anunruwela Maha Thera, the Secretary of youth world Buddhist Sangha organisation and the chief incumbent of the Anuradha Arana in Sri Lanka.
“We started the Anuradha Arana not merely as a temple in which the preaches of the Lord Buddha are followed. We also believed that such a peaceful setting could have a positive influence in the development of the intellect in the people, and we also wished to let people become aware of the significance of the environment and want them to protect it, said Anuruddha Thero. The purpose of a temple is to aspire to do more than perform religious rituals. It seeks to inform the people of Sri Lanka and the foreigners of the importance of the protection of the natural resources within Sri Lanka. This magnificent social blend of nature and spirituality definitely distinguishes Anuradha Arana.”
1.The Stupa: A Symbol of Friendship
There is a quite amazing stupa in the internal part of the temple and it imitates Shwedagon Pagoda of Myanmar. This is the Buruma-Lanka Aung Zabu Seya or the Burmese-Sri Lanka Friendship Buddhist Stupa. This is the first of its kind stupa based in a hexagonal design and was constructed under the direction of the Myanmar Bhikkhu Maha Dhamma Jothika Dhaja Bhaddanta Pandavamsa.
Six minor stupas are located around the central stupa and a white jade Buddha image brought from Myanmar symbolizes the existing energy of peace. People have appreciation for the carvings on the stupa and its ambience such as decoration of flower altar and a fined sculpted bird called Berunda Pakshiya on the pillar.
2. Temples and Shrines and Buddha Statues
It is apparent that the principals have given a great deal of study concerning the choice of location and layout of the grounds of the temple. Tourists are free to roam around the image house which has a second white jade Buddha image donated by Myanmar and images of 28 Buddhas. The meditation chambers are well hidden from the outside world allowing the guest to have a quiet time with self together with the Bo tree which is a young tree also adds to the natural serene environment.
3. A Blooming Paradise
A one-acre garden of the temple is a productive and relaxing treat for nature lovers. About 80 different species of hibiscus flowers thrive here and the beautiful colors of the flowers are also visible. This is because most of the birds have become used to people’s presence and their presence improves the scenic view owing to trees where they perch.
4. Panoramic Views
The location of the stupa is breath-taking in that people are able to see the Knuckles Mountain range, which provides an even more serene location to the temple.
Visitor Tips
Respect the customs: Do not dress revealingly and take your shoes off when you are in holy places.
Bring a camera: Frame the beautiful temple, also get the finer details of the stupa, and the mountain range of Knuckles.
Take your time: You are free to visit those meditation chambers, the gardens, and other amazing places around the park at your own sweet will.
Why Visit Anuradha Arana?
The Anuradha Arana Temple is a great mixture of religious, historic, and geographic tourism. The structure of this temple itself boasts the Burmese designs in its interiors additionally,.Special attention should be paid to beautiful hibiscus gardens and the impressive top view of this beautiful and very meaningful temple.
If you are in search of a divine experience or otherwise want to be privileged to view the rich cultural and natural treasures of Sri Lanka then let the Anuradha Arana empower and re-energize you.
The next time you find yourself in Matale again, do not miss out on this rather spiritually charged, natural wonder.
