Hello my fellow Architecture+Design lovers,

What's up Hivers? I hope you are enjoying wvery well in this beautiful Sunday with loving once. Today, Sunday was a relaxing day, so I took the opportunity to go to another beautiful and relaxing destination. A friend of mine was also contacted for this trip. It was only 50 km from home. This was mentioned as a peaceful journey because we were traveling to a temple where meditating monks live. Galle - Pitigala road as well as Elpitiya - Mapalagama road can be used to reach this temple site. After the town of Talgaswala, in the village called Kahaduwa, you will meet this Wathurawila Aranya Senasana. Wathurawila Temple has become famous especially because it has carved a stone Buddha statue in a rock. There is no permission to enter the temple after 1 noon because the monks need a calm environment for meditation. At first, I thought that this temple grounds would be disturbed by the sounds of machines due to human activities. But once inside, only the sounds of a forest can be heard. I stayed for a long time because it was such a peaceful environment.

After taking off your shoes and entering the temple, you had to climb up a staircase built from stones. Two idols of God are carved in gold on the pillars on either side of the entrance gate. In addition, a painting of the lotus flower was created on the ceiling below the roof that had been created. It was wonderful how a light bulb was installed between the lotus flower.

After entering the second section in Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya, one has to walk through a small forest. After entering the section, no sound is heard from the outside. Only sounds of insects and birds in the forest are heard. But walking is not a problem as the walkway is carpeted. For the convenience of meditating monks, lights have also been installed at night.

Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya is a temple built between rocks. Buddhist architecture with various carvings can be mentioned as an explanatory place. These rocks allow the monks to meditate easily. A very attractive elephant sculpture was created on the rock at the entrance to the temple with the meditation center. In fact, I had not seen such a tradition in the other temples I visited in Sri Lanka. The tusks of the elephant were nicely highlighted.

A busy environment was seen in the temple grounds. It is impossible to even imagine that it is a meditation center. As in other temples, objects representing all Buddhist identities can be seen. A large hall for the devotees to listen to sermons can also be seen on one side of the temple.

The shapes of the roofs of the temple buildings show the same nature, as do the small houses built to worship the Buddha as well as Buddhism. The images of lions were seen at the entrance of the small Sri Pada which was previously traveled. But at the entrance of this temple as well as at several other places, sculptures of elephants have been arranged. Even animal figures can be imagined to change as they are often created in accordance with each cultural era.

Small huts are built in the empty space between the rocks for meditating monks. They live alone. Only a small amount of time is reserved for visitors a day because meditation activities are disturbed by the slightest human noise.

On further walking inside the temple, it was discovered that it has another name. This is also known as deforestation. A library has also been built here due to the commemoration of a monk. Above the entrance doors are wood carvings close to the Buddhist logo.

It is very convenient that a building with two rooms has been built for the relaxation of the devotees. Because the devotees who come from far away need a little rest. A special appreciation should be offered to the temple administration for that.

The main temple building contains some notable architectural features. The main walls are painted in gray and the ceiling in white. The lower part of the building is designed in the shape of lotus petals and painted in pink. The elephant sculptures at the four corners were created for the protection of the Buddha building. Apart from that, there are several stone pillars in this area and on top of them, balabs in the shape of lotus flowers are installed. This light may provide a very peaceful environment at night.

There are only four sections in Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya. Although different sculptures and carvings can be seen in them, the environment is the same. As the main temple building site is located at the foot of a hill, a strong stone wall has been created from the bottom to the top for their protection. It can be understood from the above photo that the black color fits perfectly in a natural environment.

Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya Bhoomi is well maintained by purifying the environment as it is inhabited by eco-friendly monks. Ornamental plants and flowering trees can be seen all over the temple grounds. Interlocks are laid on the floor in the upper sections. Plants can also be seen on flower pots with distinctive shapes. The temple grounds are bathed in the fragrance of flowers. Proper removal of dry leaves falling from trees is also done on time.

According to Buddhist culture, pots with coconut flowers are believed to bring prosperity. Sculptures with the symbol of prosperity could also be seen in this area. I was entering the place where the Buddhist Stupa stood. It is not that big a stupa. It can be seen that the part behind the stupa is a part of the forest.

One of the most basic elements of Buddhist architecture, the moon lamp was seen. This is an old engraving on a stone. It is notable that imaginary animals, logos etc. are inscribed in a parallel semi-circle. The symbol of the lotus flower is definitely picked in these.

Around the stupa, four small shrines were built to worship the Buddha, and small Buddha statues were placed in them. These were prepared only for offering flowers. The flower offering area is covered with ceramic tiles.

In addition to offering flowers, a circular pot made of cement filled with sand is placed on the ground to offer incense. According to the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, these are common objects.

The stupa inside Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya is small in size but attractive in nature. Sculptures of elephants have been created around it in the belief that giant elephants will provide protection to the forest. There are too many features to see here, so it will be posted in two parts. Wathurawila Aranya senasanaya with the second part I hope to meet you.

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