During the school vacation my parents decided to go to Anuradhapura to worship the Sri Maha Bodhi and the Atamasthanaya or the eight sacred places of worship. One Sunday morning around 5.30 we left home. On the way, we had our breakfast and lunch. After travelling five hours we reached our destination.
In the evening, we went to worship the Sri Maha Bodhi. It is in the Mahameuna Uyana.
It was brought to our country by Sangamiththa Therini and it was planted by the then reigning monarch, King Devanampiyatissa. It is the right-wing branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India. Many pilgrims were worshipping at the Bodhi.
Then we went to the Ruwanweli Maha Saya. The stupa was shining because so many bulbs were lit. It was built by King Dutugemunu. Some of the Buddha’s relics are enshrined in this stupa.
The next morning we went to worship the other eight sacred places. We went to the Thuuparamaya, Lowamahapaya and Mirisawetiya. Later, we went to the Lankaramaya and Abhayagiri stupas.
Finally, we visited the Jethawanaramaya. When we went here and there I saw giant lakes. It is wonderful how people had built such giant lakes. It was my first visit to the eight sacred places.
I want to go there again.
Adeesha Jayasekara
Grade 2
Wesley College (Primary)
Colombo