Hi my loving Architecture+Design lovers,

How are you dear friends? I really believe that, you are in good healthy right now. Sri Lanka is a traditional island with a rich history and unique architecture that has created shrines. Every region of our country has its own arts and traditions. Kataragama, located on the Ruhunu Magampura Pattu, which connects the Southern Province and the Uva Province, is an area of ​​great historical, cultural and religious value. I mostly like to visit Kataragama because its historical value is being renewed day by day. No matter how much educational knowledge is absorbed, there is still a wealth of knowledge hidden. It is clear that Kataragama is an area built around Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic religions and cultures. Kataragama consists of many temples where worship is performed for various gods. But today's content is not about that temple, but rather about the traditional architectural features of the newly built Buddhist pilgrimage site in front of the Ruhunu Kataragama Temple.

After entering Kataragama after passing the Manik River, it was previously the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya. Buddhists had to walk another kilometer to reach the Buddhist shrines. After considering this issue, the elements necessary for Buddhist worship began to be newly constructed in a place before entering the Skanda Kumara Maha Devalaya. Therefore, it was an advantage for some elderly devotees. The newly constructed dagoba is built in a very beautiful way. But its body is not very large. Three circular shapes have been created below the body. The Dharma Chakra, the Buddhist emblem, has been created on the four sides of its upper part.

Small Buddha chambers have been built on all four sides around the Dagoba, which is the first place where Buddhists worship, and some stories from the Buddha's life are depicted in them. As I often mention, although the lion is not an animal native to Sri Lanka, it has entered our culture since history because it has been associated with protecting the Buddha's teachings since the time of the king. Therefore, it is said that other animals have been associated with the lion to protect the objects of the Buddha's teachings. Replicas of the coconut tree with flowers, which represent the symbol of prosperity, have also been created in proportion to that.

Traditional Buddhist shapes and designs can be seen in the Kataragama Buddha Shrine and they take on a striking appearance. The skill of the artists who create these designs is extraordinary. One must practice great patience when creating such designs to make them very successful. During the period of Buddha's enlightenment, a snake king named Muchalinda covered the Buddha to protect him from the sun and rain. In addition, a Bo tree called Asathu is also displayed, providing some protection. Below this character story, several elephants are shown kneeling and holding it up to show the contribution of elephants in protecting Buddhism. On the other side is a Buddha statue painted in gold. Since it is very valuable, it is covered with transparent glass frames.

A second Bo tree has been planted in the Kataragama New Buddha Shrine and is surrounded by a fence. Below this Bo tree, very valuable artistic carvings can be seen. These have been preserved as artistic creations in Sri Lanka for many ages and have come down to the present. Some of the carvings of imaginary animals have been created as the artists have actually seen them. Perhaps those animals may have existed at that time. If dinosaurs had lived in prehistoric times, the animals in these carvings would have become extinct. Almost every room had the same carvings.

Some objects in Buddhism are of great value, almost priceless. The relics are kept in glass-enclosed chambers covered with gold for added protection. Some donors offer these valuable objects to temples out of devotion. Even the leaves of the Bodhi tree are painted gold to add extra luster.

The statue of the demon carrying the entire burden of the Buddha Dhamma is carved at the bottom. Looking at the statue, one can see how hard he is working on the task. The way he is lifting this burden with his hands and head is amazing. Beautiful floral carvings and a pair of mythical birds called Gurula are carved on the concrete pillars. These carvings, which are in line with the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, can be seen in many shrines.

I decided to go a little further inside the new Buddhist shrine in Kataragama and explore it, so I walked a little further in the scorching sun. There I saw a newly built, currently unused dharma hall. On the way to this hall was a building where monks stayed, and on its wall was a dharma wheel, the Buddhist symbol.

This Dhamma Hall is often reserved for children receiving Dhamma education. I mention this because the space is open on all four sides. The roof is made of wood with a good design and is covered with clay tiles, so the heat inside will be minimal. Stone pillars have been used as supports to hold the roof firmly. A special type of rough tile was spread on the floor. You can see how lotus flowers are carved on these pillars. The ceiling is also made of wood and polished. This creates more light. The shape of the lights hanging down from the ceiling is also attractive.

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