Basically, we two take maximum advantage when we are out. As there were no other eye-catching casual places to visit we decided to visit Seenigama Temple until we reach lunchtime. Even though we frequently go up and down the road this was the first time we went to this temple together. That was the other recent why specifically stopped by Seenigama temple.
It was almost noon, so it was too sunny. Anyone who has visited here may know how much burning your feet at this temple. We purchased some flowers, 5 water lilies for 100 rupees. I am wondering why this price remains the same even though the living cost is too high.
Seenigama Devalaya has dedicated to God Devol who people believe is very powerful. People visit there for different things to request as well as request punishments for industry. Travelers who pass the temple offer coins and wish success and protection for their visits. I also make tons of wishes during my wishes as I have some kind of belief personally. God may or may not exist but the spiritual power is made with the thoughts of thousands of devotees who visit here..
I like to attach the following quote from about Sri Lanka web page for anyone interested in the story of Devol God.
History of Seenigma Devalaya
The Seenigama temple has a golden history of about 1300 years. Lord of the ‘Devol’ temple is Lord Kurumbara.Merchant Kalingapura, had a lot of sons. They were Devol Sami, Induras Sami, Sandaras Sami, Giniras Sami, Buduras Sami and Maha Sami and a daughter known as Padmini. Because his sons were very stubborn, he had put them on a ship and turned them out. On the way they faced a strong storm and ships were destroyed.
Among these princes, only one prince could save his life. He lighted a lamp and it says that Lord Shakra had seen it and created a lime rock to save him. Devol is the prince. Finally he had come to the Seenigama area. At that time, it says the power of this area had been inherited by Goddess Pattini. She had lighted a fire fence and offered a sacrifice to frighten away Devol Sami. But later, the power of it had been inherited by Devol Sami.
Seenigama temple was started when the minister Deva Pathiraja was made a custodian in this temple for the curing of Dambadeni King Parakramabahu from an illness he got. Also because this temple has great glory it says that many people from various areas of Sri Lanka used to visit it.
There is a Bodhi as well as buddha statues, which gives a Buddhist touch to this temple. I was able to capture the following pictures from the temple house which is newly cleared. This temple house looks like so calm place with attractive arrangements.
The second statue is an Avalokiteshvara statue made with cement. Avalokiteshvara is a Bodhisattva statue. If you remember your school Buddhism lessons, Bodhisattva is a human who is on the way to being a Buddha. One who full fill different "Paramee Dharma" during different lives. Avalokiteshvara is a Mahayanic concept but Theravadic countries like us also worship on Bodhisattva statues.
Oh, this takes me back to my childhood interests.
Then we visited to see the newly opened "Manimekala Goddess" statue. Actually, it looks so stunning in the blue background made with sea and sky. The sand was burning due to sun, so I couldn't enjoy the scene that much.
Goddess Manimekala is known as the goddess of the seas. She is protecting fishermen and sailors. There was information on several rituals that do for this Goddess on the boards at the temple.
It was extremely foot-burning so we sat in a shade and enjoyed ice cream. We even didn't go to the beach in front due to the heavy sun.
Ice cream was super refreshing and after that, we left for our next destination.