A trail of the Eighty Great Disciples leads pilgrims and visitors up to the pagoda of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya, situated at the far end of Pothuvil. The Vihara is known to be the place where Queen Vihara Maha Devi landed when she arrived in the island and therefore is a place of historical and archaeological importance. While the Eastern province has witnessed a greater part of the war and other extremist influences as of late, the monks residing at the Temple are in a constant battle to preserve its heritage. 

During a recent visit to this Temple, the Daily Mirror Life explored the premises while also speaking to Ven. Warakapola Indrasiri Thero, Eastern Province Sangha Nayaka and Chief Incumbent of the Temple.
 

2300 years ago

“Back then it was known as Ruhune Lanka Viharaya,” Ven. Thera said in an interview with Daily Mirror Life. “The 22nd chapter of Mahavamsa has a detailed record of Muhudu Maha Viharaya. This land is significant because it is known to be the place where Vihara Maha Devi arrived since she didn’t succeed in entering from Kirinda. She arrived in the 2nd Century BC and therefore the legend dates back 2300 years. This is the Magama Kingdom which was ruled by King Kavan Tissa. At the time he was advised to be alert on the whereabouts of Queen Vihara Maha Devi. As a result, his royal warriors suggested that they keep guard on higher elevations. For that they built tree houses (attala) and the area came to be known as Attalachenai. As a reward for keeping guard, these royal warriors were given land (nindagam) and this area was later known as Nindur. The measurement for this area of land was 10 acres (Akkara 10) which is now known as Akkaraipattu. Up until Panama you find lakes and greeneries on either side and because there were many bo trees, this area was initially known as Bodhivila. But after the Tamil invasion this area got its current name – Pothuvil, since there is no B sound in Tamil language.”

A land blessed by a courageous Queen 

According to Ven. Thera, this site was found during the excavations done in 1966. “The three statues found here are made out of a special stone known as Chandrakanthi. One statue definitely resembles Gautama Buddha while the other two statues are said to resemble Vihara Maha Devi and King Kavan Tissa. But archaeological evidence suggests that they resemble avatars of Bodhisatvas. There’s also evidence of a resting place believed to have been used by monks.  Historical accounts also suggest that once Vihara Maha Devi visited this place, she was bathed in seven pots of sandalwood-infused water while her jewellery was buried in the ground and she was then taken to Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya situated 15 km away on an elephant.

Upon reaching the Viharaya she was taken onto the poruwa where one could also witness a unique moonstone that cannot be found elsewhere in the island. The Sastarawela Viharaya is said to be the place where the auspicious times were made for the wedding.  There is also a structure of a chetiya believed to be the place where Vihara Maha Devi’s gold-plated vessel was buried. As such there are artefacts buried in the deep sea as well. Therefore, all these are proof that this is the sacred land that was blessed by Vihara Maha Devi.”

Challenges at present 

“There are several beliefs about the land area of this temple,” he continued. “One is that it covered an area of 1700 acres while some believe that it spanned an area of 32 miles. Another belief is that it had 263 acres but today there’s a mass encroachment taking place. People have forged documents and deeds and many houses are now being constructed on archaeological sites. In some places these people have constructed cemeteries.

It was declared an archaeological reserve in 1951 by Senarath Paranavithana and then again in 1960 but those areas have also been taken over by force. This happened during the Kumarathunga regime. The entire Eastern Province has an archaeological significance. We are speaking out against everyone who is trying to ruin our heritage. Hence as at present the Temple is under threat. Some extremist Muslim elements are trying to destroy the premises and we have taken certain matters to courts. We are trying to ordain sāmanēra monks to take on the reins of the next generation. There are no residential facilities or a Sangavasaya. The sāmanēra monks learn outdoors and we are surviving with minimum facilities.”

Victim of fake news 

The Temple has also been a victim of fake news from time to time. One incident was when a video went viral that some statues of the Eighty Great Disciples were taken down. But in reality, that hasn’t been the case. “While constructing statues of the Eighty Great Disciples we had to put them on the ground and restore them,” Ven. Thera explained. “But news was circulated to the effect that some of these statues have been destroyed. This is a result of how new media is being used. We can’t control the crowd visiting the Temple. But as the Chief Incumbent I should say that it was fake news. Many of these lands were state lands but if you check most documents, they are being forged. None of the authorities have taken action thus far but we are continuing our battle.”

The next time you visit Pothuvil or Panama, don’t forget to explore the serene environs at the Muhudu Maha Viharaya and find out more details about Queen Vihara Maha Devi’s legend.  

Pics by: Nimalsiri Edirisinghe