The Secret Relics of the Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka

The Secret Relics of the Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the most remarkable Buddhist stupas in the world. These architectural marvels not only embody the religious fervor of ancient Sri Lanka but also house sacred relics believed to belong to the Buddha himself and other significant Buddhist figures.

Historical Background of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, influenced by the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who was a pivotal figure in the spread of Buddhism. It is documented that missionaries were sent to Sri Lanka, resulting in the establishment of Buddhism as the state religion. The arrival of Buddhist relics, including the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, further solidified the importance of the faith on the island.

Over the centuries, various kings constructed stupas as a form of devotion and veneration for the Buddha and his teachings. The most famous of these stupas, such as the Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, became pilgrimage sites for devotees and symbols of national identity.

Overview of Stupa Architecture

The stupa is a dome-shaped structure that serves as a reliquary, containing the remains or possessions of revered Buddhist figures. Sri Lankan stupas, known locally as “dagobas,” are notable for their unique architectural style, which evolved over the centuries. Key features include:

• Stupa Dome: The round, bell-shaped dome (anda) symbolizes the universe.
• Harmika: The square platform on top of the dome symbolizes the world of the gods.
• Crowning Finial: The “chhatra” represents protection and honor.
• Base: The square base of the stupa often contains multiple levels, symbolizing the stages of mental development.

Among the most significant stupas in Sri Lanka are the Ruwanwelisaya, which houses sacred relics of the Buddha, and the Jetavanaramaya, one of the tallest brick structures in the world, built during the reign of King Mahasena in the 3rd century CE.

The Sacred Relics and Their Significance

What Are Relics?

Relics in Buddhism refer to physical remains of a saintly person, generally revered by lay believers and clergy alike. In the context of the Buddha, relics can be hair, teeth, or other bodily remains, while secondary relics involve items associated with significant human figures such as monks or regal adherents of Buddhism.

Relics serve not only as objects of veneration but also as symbols of the spiritual teachings and essence of the Buddha. They are integral to various rituals and ceremonies and play a central role in Buddhist cosmology and cultural practice.

Key Relics of the Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s stupas are believed to harbor both major and minor relics. Some of the most profound relics include:

• Sacred Tooth Relic (Denta Dhatu): Kept in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, it is perhaps the most revered relic in Sri Lanka, believed to provide legitimacy to the ruling authority.
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa Relics: Said to contain ashes of the Buddha, this stupa is regarded as one of the most sacred sites in Theravada Buddhism.
• Jetavanaramaya’s Relics: This stupa is noted for containing relics of the Buddha and is considered the tallest stupa in the world.
• Mahiyangana Stupa: Believed to contain relics related to the Buddha’s visit to Sri Lanka before his enlightenment.

The Sacred Tooth Relic

The Sacred Tooth Relic, housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, is a powerful symbol of status and authority in Sri Lankan history. According to legend, the relic was smuggled out of India by Princess Hemamala and her husband, Prince Dantha, in the 4th century CE. Over the centuries, the relic has moved across various regions of Sri Lanka due to invasions and political turmoil but has remained a focal point of devotion.

The tooth itself was enshrined in a series of royal temples and was considered a source of power for kings, validating their rule in a manner parallel to the divine right of kings in European history. The annual Esala Perahera festival in Kandy remains a vibrant testament to this connection, where the relic is paraded to commemorate its importance.

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa

Constructed by King Dutugemunu in 140 BCE in Anuradhapura, the Ruwanwelisaya is emblematic of Sri Lankan architectural achievements and Buddhist devotion. According to historical texts, the stupa is said to contain a portion of the Buddha’s relics—specifically his collarbone—extracted and brought to Sri Lanka after the Buddha’s death.

The stupa’s construction began shortly after King Dutugemunu’s victory over the Chola king Elara, making it not just a religious structure but also a symbol of national unity and independence. It is built over a solid brick base and has gone through several renovations, especially during the reign of the later monarchs.

Jetavanaramaya Stupa

Jetavanaramaya, built by King Mahasena around the 3rd century CE, is one of the tallest stupas in the world, reaching an impressive height of 120 meters. It is believed to contain the physical remains of the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The construction of the stupa reflects the period’s innovative architecture and engineering prowess, with an estimated 93 million bricks used to construct its monumental edifice.

Mahiyangana Stupa

The Mahiyangana Stupa, located in the Uva Province, is said to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, commemorating the Buddha’s visit to the island during the time he attained enlightenment. The stupa was constructed by the local inhabitants to honor the future arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. This stupa is further significant as it represents the early interactions between Buddhism and the indigenous peoples of Sri Lanka.

The Cultural Practices Surrounding Relics

Pilgrimage and Rituals

The existence of relics has led to a dynamic culture of pilgrimage in Sri Lanka, with thousands of devotees visiting stupas annually. The pilgrimage rituals include circumambulation (a ritual practice of walking around the stupa), offerings of flowers, lighting of oil lamps, and chanting of scriptures. These practices enhance the spiritual connection between the devotees and the relics, embodying devotion and respect.

• Perahera Festivals: Grand processions held annually to celebrate and honor relics, characterized by traditional dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants.
• Offering Ceremonies: Rituals performed regularly at stupas, where devotees offer flowers, incense, and food as a mark of respect.

Relics in the Context of Sri Lankan Identity

Relics deeply intertwined with national pride reflect the cultural identity of Sri Lankans. They symbolize the resilience and continuity of Buddhism in the face of colonial intervention, civil strife, and globalization. The veneration of relics has transcended religious bounds, becoming a unifying factor among various ethnic groups in Sri Lanka.

The Sacred Tooth Relic’s prominence, in particular, provides a continuous link to the history and governance of the land; thus, it epitomizes the coexistence of religion and politics in shaping Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Preservation Efforts and Contemporary Challenges

Conservation of Relics and Stupas

The preservation of Buddhist stupas and their relics has become a significant focus for the Sri Lankan government and local organizations. Many stupas have undergone restoration work to preserve their structural integrity and to ensure they remain sites of pilgrimage and worship.

• International Cooperation: Organizations like UNESCO have gotten involved in safeguarding historical sites in Sri Lanka, recognizing their global significance.
• Local Initiatives: Community groups work to promote awareness and maintenance of local stupas and relics.

Challenges to Preservation

Despite efforts, numerous challenges persist in the conservation of stupas and relics, including:

• Urbanization: Rapid development can threaten the integrity of historic sites.
• Environmental Factors: Natural elements, such as monsoon rains, can adversely affect ancient structures.
• Political Conflicts: Civil unrest might lead to neglect or targeted attacks on religious sites.

Conclusion

The secret relics of the Buddhist stupas in Sri Lanka represent a profound aspect of not only historical and cultural heritage but also the living practices of Buddhism. Their treasures connect ancient wisdom to modern spiritual journeys and illuminate the syncretic nature of Sri Lankan culture. As efforts towards preserving this rich heritage continue, the relics within the stupas stand as timeless guardians of faith and resilience, holding stories of devotion that shape the identity of the nation even today.

These relics, revered across generations, embody a continuity of belief and serve as a reminder of the spiritual legacy left by the Buddha, preserving the essence of his teachings amidst a rapidly changing world.