The Kalutara Bodhiya, a revered sacred site in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the island’s rich Buddhist heritage. Located on the banks of the Kalu Ganga River, this ancient tree shrine is famed for housing a revered Bo tree, believed to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Historical Significance
Kalutara holds historical importance as one of the 32 locations identified by Arahant Mahinda Thera in the 2nd century B.C. for planting saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. King Devananpiya Tissa, having received these recommendations, extended his patronage to the site. According to the Sinhala Maha Bodhi Wansa, the original Kalutara Bodhiya remained intact until the Portuguese colonized the maritime provinces in 1505 A.D. For those visiting nearby resorts in Kalutara such as the Avani Kalutara Resort, this is an excellent place to visit.
Colonial Period
Following the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British utilized the upper terrace or uda maluwa area as a military camp and administrative premises. During the British period, particularly from the latter half of the 19th century, the site was repurposed as office space and the residence of the Government Agent.
More Recent Developments
Modern development of the Kalutara Bodhi began in 1931 with the establishment of the Kalutara Buddhist Society, driven by Sir Cyril De Zoysa. In 1942, development activities commenced on the lower terrace with the laying of the pinnacle of the chithya. After Sri Lanka’s independence, Sir Cyril De Zoysa sought assistance from the first Prime Minister, Right Honorable D.S. Senanayaka. This led to Mr. C.P. De Silva, the Assistant Government Agent of Kalutara, facilitating the release of the Kachcheri on the uda maluwa.
Management
The Kalutara Bodhi Trust is responsible for the security, maintenance, and beautification of the Kalutara Bodhi site and overseeing administrative activities. The Bodhi Trust, established by Sir Cyril De Zoysa on November 11, 1951, played a crucial role in the site’s development. With the government entrusting the land around the sacred Bodhi tree to the Trust, significant progress was made. In 1964, the foundation stone for the great chaithya on the uda maluwa was laid, modeled after the “wata da ge” structure. By 1969, all Kachcheri lands and buildings were transferred to the Bodhi Trust. Construction of the “Wata da ge” was completed by 1976, culminating in the public laying of the pinnacle for the warship
