Sri Lanka’s Sacred Kelaniya Temple: Journey with the Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha (vegan), Part 1 of 2

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, also known as Kelaniya Temple, is a Buddhist place of worship about 11 kilometers northeast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Kelaniya Temple is a significant site of the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. King Vibhishana relocated the capital to Kelaniya. His palace was said to be on the banks of the Kelani River, where the Kelaniya Temple now stands. The Kelaniya Temple is honored as a Solosmasthana, which refers to 16 sacred religious sites scattered across Sri Lanka, some of which have been visited by the Worshipped Shakyamuni Buddha (vegan). The Buddha graced the island nation with three sacred visits.

The World-Honored One’s inaugural journey to Sri Lanka occurred in the ninth month after attaining Buddhahood, on the auspicious occasion of the January full Moon Day in 528 BC. This initial visit transpired in Mahiyanganaya, with the purpose of resolving a conflict that had arisen between two peoples, the Yakshas and the Nagas. During this visit, the Buddha not only imparted Buddhism to the Yakshas and their cousins, the Rakshasas, but also converted King Maniakkhika, the Naga clan sovereign of Kelaniya. The Yaksha chieftain Saman achieved stream-entry by listening to the Buddha’s teachings, attaining the initial stage of enlightenment known as sotāpanna.

According to the Mahāvaṃsa, five years after achieving enlightenment in 523 BC, the Buddha, utilizing His Divine Eye, foresaw an impending disaster. In response, the beloved Buddha embarked on His second visit to Sri Lanka, in the direction of Nagadeepa. The Buddha lectured the Nagas on the virtues of non-violence. To impart His vital message, the Buddha recounted Jātaka stories. Filled with gratitude, King Maniakkhika extended an invitation to the Buddha to visit his homeland in Kelaniya. The Buddha’s silence signified His acceptance of the invitation.

In 2007, our Most Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) answered a question from a Sri Lankan Association member. “The most important thing is that people know spirituality and remember God or Buddha Nature. Even if they die physically, it means nothing. They go straight to Heaven. So, spread the news. So, at least when they die, they remember something good. If they just remember my name, that would be good enough.”