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Wednesday, 13 March 2013

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Namal Uyana, national treasure

With an area of 65,610 sq.km consisting a comparatively small land strip, our country is truly blessed with an ideal balance of both warm and cool weather conditions when compared to countries in the region that have isolated temperature patterns.

Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera

Situated in the approximate centre of our country, the town of Dambulla contains a rich heritage of historic value. Just 15 km away from the Dambulla town, upon arrival at a two-way junction one is presented with a vast acreage of thick wooded jungle of green and encompasses an area of approximately 2,000 acres.

Going through Dambulla and heading towards Jaffna on the A9 highway and on branching off at Madatugama junction and going towards Aadiyagala, one gets on the Galewela-Dambulla highway A9. At the junction turning towards Ibbankatuwa tank in the outskirts through Komaliya towards Galkiriyagama and Pubibogama, from there towards Aadiyagala. After a distance of 2 km, one gets closer to the dense jungles. Turning off at Galewela, through Kalaruwa on the Kekirawa and turning off at Aadiyagala is a closer route to get to the jungle.

Situated in the Anuradhapura district in the Palagala Divisional Secretariat and the Galkiriyagama Police Division, sits a beautiful little village named Ulpathagama, which has great historic significance but its importance was not made aware since its close proximity to the scenic greenery of the vast forest area surrounding it. However, those aware of the value of this forest made use of it for the disreputable activities of the illegal felling of these valuable trees. Some take to robbing of the ancient treasures found in caves etc. and in the process, these thieves who have no heart or conscience murder innocent human beings.

When approached from any road, one comes across the famous area of “Namal Uyana”, Asia's largest location containing Rose Quartz. Having a mixture of dry zone and wet zone climates, a visit to this area will envisage an unforgettable a never before experienced adventure to please the eyes, calm the mind and body. The experience cannot be described in words since it must be seen to believe. It is said in folklore that the Pink Quartz contained in ‘Namal Uyana’ was taken to India to decorate and beautify the famous Taj Mahal. This valuable stone is present in approximately 600 acres in this forest and interestingly there is no presence of any common black rock in the entire area which goes to show the natural value of the area and is worth taking note of for posterity.

The known area of Namal Uyana is approximately 2,000 acres and within these boundaries contain national treasures of great value in the form of artefacts, statues etc. is an indication of the beauty of this strategic forest in the years gone by and is worth nurturing for the future generations to come.

Historical significance

Ranavaya is the village situated to the East of Namal Uyana. Sri Lanka's historic event of the great Dutugemunu-Elara war named, “Vijithapura battle” took place in this location and is recorded in the books of history. King Dutugemunu having defeated King Elara in this epic battle was able to rule in this region. From Vijithapura to the village of Ranava is roughly 15 kilometres. It is reported that the villagers of Ranava made weapons and took to the battlefield and joined forces with the King's soldiers to support King Dutugemunu in this great battle. The famous ‘Aadiagala letters’ written by King Dappula the fifth is found in front of the ‘Devrada Randari’ temple in Ranava.

The ‘Aadiyagala Letters’ contain details of how the King had no power to capture a traitor who entered this village. Namal Uyana which is surrounded by the villages named Morothegama, Ulpathagama, Narangaswewa, Ranava and Dambulluhalmillawewa is not only a sanctuary for birds and animals, but also a place of mental and physical relaxation and meditation for people of all walks of life and is the only such location containing its unique features in the island.

I visited Namal Uyana with the intention of ascertaining the historical significance of this area and with the information gleaned through this narrative wish to inform and educate readers in this historic exercise. Upon entrance to Namal Uyana, one is privy to a spectacle of Na trees which is a sight to behold.

Na trees

It is said that the famous Venerable Mangala-Sumana-Revatha and Venerable Sobhitha Buddhist monks received enlightenment under the Na tree. Hence, the Na trees have great significance in Buddhist history and worship.

History has handed down this reverence for the Na tree to such an extent that when one enters Namal Uyana, travellers have a heightened sense of reverence from deep within leading to a meditative experience.

The fragrance emanating from the Na flowers bring forth a sense of serenity of both mind and body.

It also brings to mind the true value of nature and in being one with the environment. Hence Namal Uyana is Sri Lanka's largest Na tree forest covering approximately 200 acres which is a vista of flowering trees as far as the eye could see. Due to the sheer beauty of this spectacle, the government through a Gazette notification dated April 26, 2005 has declared this sanctuary a protected forest area.

Provide shelter and protection

Scenic beauty in Namal Uyana

When tracking through the forest, there is a huge “Moragaha” which is reported to have been a contributory factor to the adding to beauty of the Na trees.

Namal Uyana was made famous to the world through Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thera who is reported to have received shelter under this Moragaha. He was protected by wild animals and vicious snakes by this tree. Although man is destroying nature and plundering the forests by the felling of trees etc. the trees in return only provide shelter and protection to both man and beast and help reserve nature's ecological balance.

The true spirit of Buddhism is portrayed through this simple example of a tree which unlike man has no enemy and harbours no grudge or takes revenge but instead protects, feeds and shelters both man and beast and is a vital truth enhancing the value of Buddhist teaching.

It is indeed a wonder when one mediates on the fact of how this Ven. Thera lived amidst the dangers and discomfort of a forest in solitary status and yet managed to find peace and contentment amidst the trees, especially living perched on the high branches of the Moragaha. It is a deep seated fact that a true Buddhist knows no fear and is one with nature so that no harm comes to those who do not wish harm to others.

Rose Quartz

“In the same way we preserve and protect the environment we live in, it will in return protect and nurture us. Therefore, I love them like my own children, stated the Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera.

In the sites containing historic artefacts, statues etc. it is reported that they have been places of religious worship estimated to be dating to period of 8 AD.

What we witness today of the sheer beauty, religious and historic significance of Namal Uyana and is portrayed to the world was initially made famous by this Ven. monk.

One cannot speak about Namal Uyana without speaking of the Ven. Rahula Thera. The true beauty of Namal Uyana and the valuable Rose Quartz is closely linked with an unbreakable bond with this great and yet humble monk.

This 2,000 acre Na tree forest has received world acclaim for its beauty and cultural heritage and has been declared a heritage site and has been promoted and dedicated to the public largely due to the untiring efforts of this Ven. monk who practically single-handedly looked after this Na forest for 22 fruitful years.

Ven. Rahula Thera achieved the goal of turning Namal Uyana into a renowned site of religious significance through the inspiration of a dream he had. This dream became a reality and today is a national treasure and world renowned heritage site. The Ven. Thera had in the course of his stay in the forest proclaimed its great significance to the electronic and print media.

“The destroying of both trees and wildlife is the beginning of the end for mankind. To prevent this from happening, it is vital to nurture and preserve this treasure for the generations to come.

 

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