Temples Of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is considered one of the 3 most religious countries in the World, because in 2008 99% of its population answered that religion plays an important role in their daily life. So it's not a surprise that in Sri Lanka are lots of beautiful temples and monasteries. Of course the most ancient and beautiful are situated deep in the mountains in the central part of the island, but here are some of the most approachable of them.

Buddhism of Theravada is the main religious confession in Sri Lanka - it has 76.7% of idolaters. Unfortunately Hinduism and some European confessions affected the development of Sri Lanka Buddhism, but in the middle of the 19-th century such religious leaders as Migettuvatte Gunananda Thera and Anagarica Dharmapala laid the foundation of the successful movement for the rebirth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Vekherahena Buddha Temple is famous for its giant Buddha statue and a variety of frescos picturing different scenes of his life.

The walls of the temple are decorated with frescos with Buddha's life moments and the punishment of sinners.

There are tens of thousands of frescos in the temple.

The temple was built 200 years ago, but in the middle of the 20-th century it was abandoned. This wall contains names of those, who gave money for the rebirth of the temple 30 years ago.

And here are portraits of the patrons, who help the temple regularly.

But despite all the donations, the condition of the temple is quite pitiable.

Pupils on an excursion.

And here is one of Hindu temples, which are usually smaller and brighter than Buddhist ones. Hinduism was formerly the main religion on the island, but in the end of the 3-rd century B.C. Buddhism was proclaimed the fundamental religious confession of Sri Lanka. However, Hinduism survived and there are still some people (about 7.8%) who go to Hindu temples.

A monk.

The main peculiarity of a hind temple is the presence of murti - an image of God in a particular conventional stance. This murti plays the role of the main form of God, but there are also "secondary" murtis.

via zyalt