Aluvihare Cave temple near Matale in central Sri Lanka where the main texts of Theravada Buddhism, the Tripitaka, which had been handed down orally, were written down for the first time, in the 15C BC. This was a major contribution to the preservation of the Theravada canon, as it had been lost in India, the birthplace of Buddhism About 500 monks are said to have taken part in the work, inscribing the words in Pali, the language used by the Buddha, on *ola leaves. Much of the temple complex, including its library, was destroyed in 1848, when the British heavy-handedly put down a nationalist rebellion. The temple may have been founded by King Vattagamini Abhaya (1^stC BC), who had taken shelter in the caves while waiting to recapture his throne from South Indian invaders. The caves, which contain frescoes on the walls, have been formed by boulders fallen off a hill.

Four colossal Buddha images have been carved from one large rock. At the left while facing the shrine is a sedent Buddha. This image is preserved. In the background of the statue on the edge of the rock is the carving of a Pandol. Next is the “Vidyadhara Cave”. This cave shrine hollowed out with the altar, a stone umbrella (supported by a stone shaft over the dome of the stupa) and other decorations and the sedent Buddha image is carved out of the living rock. This is an artificial cave. Although these are preserved, all the paintings have been destroyed. Inside the cave are the statues of gods Brahma and Vishnu. Next is the Polonnaruwa Edict popularly known as “Polonnaru Katikawata”. Parakramabahu the Great along with Dimbulagala Kasyapa Thera, purified and restored the Sasana and engraved in the edict rules for the guidance of monks. The next image is a large figure of the Buddha. The statue of the Buddha standing with arms crossed over the chest and with a sorrowful expression in the countenance and is the only one of its kind in Ceylon. According to some, this depicts the symbol of “Paradukkha dukkhita” – He who is sorrowing for the sorrows of others. Finally at the extreme right is an image of the recumbent Buddha. There is also a view that this image depicts the Parinirvana (passing away) of the Buddha.

Hetadage Temple of Tooth also a multi storey building was built by King Nissankamalla. On the western side of the building is a stairway with 10 stone steps. Hetadage name is due to believe that this temple was built and completed within 60 hours. Another place where the Tooth Relic was kept and enshrined.

According to the chronicles, Lord Buddha on the 8^thyear after enlightenment on full moon day of Vesak, Visited Kelaniya on the invitation of Maniakkhika the Naga king of Kelaniya, seated on the gem throne, the blessed one preached the doctrine. The gem studded throne is enshrined in the dagaba. This Vihara was built by king Yatalatissa. The height of the stupa is 80ft, circumference is 180ft. The dagaba is in the shape of a heap of paddy. In the temple premises are devales dedicated to Gods Kataragama, Vishnu, Natha and Vibhishana.

It was the first place visited by the Lord Buddha to settle a dispute between the Yakshas near river Mahaveli. Mahiyangana dagaba was built where the Buddha remained during the visit. According to documentary evidence, it was God Saman who enshrined the hair relic of the Buddha and built the stupa to the height of 7 cubits. Later arahant sarabhu brought with him the relic of the neck (Griva Dhatu) from the pyre of the Lord Buddha enshrined it and enlarged it upto 12 cubits. King Chulabhaya, brother of king Devanampiyatissa, enlarged it upto 30 cubits and king Dutugamunu enlarged it upto 80 cubits. The stupa which had got dilapidated was restored recently. It is recorded that out of the eight seeds from Sri Mahabodhi one seed was planted here.

Eight miles east of Anuradhapura, close to the Anuradhapura – Trincomalee road is situated the “Missaka Pabbata” which is IOOOft in height and is one of the peaks of a mountainous range Though this was called Cetiyagiri or sagiri, it was popularly known as Mihintale — the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Thera Mahinda came to Ceylon from India on the fullmoon day of the month of Poson (June) and met king Devanampiyatissa and people, and preached the doctrine. The traditional spot where this meeting took place is revered by the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Therefore in the month of Poson, Buddhists make their pilgrimage to Anuradhapura and Mihintale. From ancient times a large number of large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale. It is stated that king Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara and 68 caves for the bhikkhus to reside. At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist viharas with all the dependent buildings characteristic of monasteries Of that period.

A place sanctified by Buddha during his 3^rdvisit to Sri Lanka and Buddha spent time here with arahants in ecstatic mediation and 60 Bhikkus attained arahantship at once at Muthiynaganaya Temple. Buddha’s hair and teardrops that became pearls enshrined in the stupa. It was built by king Devanampiyatissa and was later enlarged by king Detutis.

 This is also known as the Mahathapa, Swarnamali Chaitya and Rathnamali dagaba. The ThUpavamsa gives a complete account of its construction.This dagaba was built on a firm foundation. It is recorded that inside the dagaba are enshrined valuable gems, statues made out of gold, various valuable objects and also relics of the Buddha which measure about a Don. On the four sides of the stupa are the frontispieces (thalkada). The Courtyard on which the stone tablets are laid is known as the Salapatala courtyard. Below the Salapatala courtyard is the compound made of sand (leimaluwa). On the four sides of the compound are the parapat walls with its figures of elephants and has been made to appear as though it were supported by the elephants. There are 1900 figures of elephants on the wall consisting of 475 on each side. Therefore it is known as the elephant compound. In the temple courtyard are the old models of Ruwanveliseya made of stone, a statue of king Dutugemunu worshipping the dagaba. In the image house situated in the temple courtyard are four statues of the Buddhas who have attained Buddhahood in this aeon (kalpa) and the future Buddha (Maitri). All these creations are very old. The pinnacle of Ruwanveliseya is 24 ft in height. The crest gem on the pinnacle is a gift from Burma. Ruwanveliseya is situated a few yards away from Lovamahapaya.

During the reign of king Devanampiyatissa, theri Sanghamitta brought with her a branch of the Bodhi tree under which prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment. This is the oldest living tree in documented history. This incident took place a few months after the arrival of Mahinda thera. Amidst much rejoicing and ceremony, this tree was planted at Maha Mevna Uyana. It was planted on a high terrace about 21 feet above the ground. Surrounded by railings, it is today one of the most sacred relics of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. There are other bo—trees in close proximity to this sacred bo—tree. The parapat wall round the compound where the bo-tree is planted is about 700 ft. in length, which was constructed during the reign of king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha to protect it from the wild elephants.

Thera Mahinda himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Ceylon. At his request, king Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered the first dagaba built in Sri Lanka, after the introduction of Buddhism. This chetiya was built in the shape of a heap of paddy. It was destroyed from time to time. During the reign of king Agbo II it was completely destroyed and the king restored it. What we have today is the one constructed in 1862 AD. As it is today after several renovations in the course of the centuries, it has a diameter of 59ft at the base. The dome is 11 feet and 4 inches in height from the ground and has a diameter of 164.5 inches. The compound is paved with granite and there are two rows of stone pillars round the dagaba. During the early period a vatadage had been built round the dagaba.