Chencho Dema

Colombo, Sri Lanka—The sacred Buddhist landmarks in Sri Lanka  have become popular pilgrimage destinations for many Bhutanese pilgrims, particularly among the elderly population.

Besides spiritual destinations in Bodh Gaya in India, Lhasa in Tibet, and Nepal, many Bhutanese are now seeking the sacred spaces of Sri Lanka.

This shift in pilgrimage patterns reflects a growing interest in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage that Sri Lanka offers, including its ancient temples, serene landscapes, and deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.

For many Bhutanese pilgrims, the journey begins at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses a revered relic of the Buddha’s tooth, drawing devotees from across the globe.

The Sacred relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha from the city of Kalinga in ancient India, during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (Kithsirimevan 301 -328).

“It’s inspiring to see visitors from Bhutan, a Buddhist country, honour these sacred spaces,” says Kumar, a resident of Kandy and an employee at the temple.

Another highlight is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred tree in Anuradhapura believed to have grown from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Believed to be planted by King Asoka’s daughter in 288 BCE, it stands as a living link to the ancient past and remains a focal point of devotion for pilgrims.

Also located near is the first Buddhist monastery in Sri Lanka, known as Maha Viharaya, established by King Devanam Piyatissa in 250 BCE.

At the Dambulla Cave Temple, a network of intricately adorned caves featuring 153 Buddha statues and vivid frescoes, Bhutanese visitors marvel at centuries of artistry and devotion. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple charges an entry fee of 2,000 Sri Lankan rupees for foreign visitors.

The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Sri Lanka, was built around 80 BCE. Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple, the temple features 153 Buddha statues, three ancient kings, and four other figures, including Vishnu and Ganesh.

The ceiling and walls, repainted over centuries, feature a mix of royal and religious imagery. This temple charges an entry fee of 2,000 Sri Lankan rupees for foreign visitors.

Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress situated in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, near Dambulla in the northern Matale District, is also gaining popularity among the Bhutanese.

Adam’s Peak, known locally as Sri Pada, is another site of deep significance. The 7-kilometre hike to its summit, marked by what is believed to be the Buddha’s footprint, is both a physical and spiritual journey for many Bhutanese pilgrims.

The hike to the summit typically takes 4-5 hours.

Pema Wangda from Monggar, who is on a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka’s sacred sites, said he had known of the country as a Buddhist nation but hadn’t fully grasped its deep spiritual significance. “My final stop here is Adam’s Peak, after which I will travel to Bodhgaya in India,” he said.

Former Education Minister Norbu Wangchuk, now the director general of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) based in Colombo said Sri Lanka holds a profound appeal for Bhutanese visitors, rooted in its rich Buddhist heritage.

He said as a country deeply revered in Buddhist history, Sri Lanka is said to have been visited by the Buddha multiple times.

“Iconic pilgrimage sites such as the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Adam’s Peak in Hatton, and the Jangchup Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura continue to captivate Bhutanese pilgrims, offering immense spiritual significance and a deep connection to the teachings of the Buddha,” he said.   

He said that with rising affluence among Bhutanese, many are now able to embark on such sacred journeys. “It is heartening to witness sons and daughters working abroad, particularly in Australia, generously supporting their parents in fulfilling lifelong dreams of visiting these holy sites, exploring beyond the more familiar Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya in India,” he said.

Currently, a group of Bhutanese pilgrims are visiting sacred sites in Sri Lanka.

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