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Heritage Tours - Option II - Explore Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Summer)
Sri Lanka is predominantly flourished with Theravada Buddhism. During the middle Anuradhapura period, Mahayana Buddhism was also developed in the country. “Bodhisattva” cult was highlighted in Mahayana Buddhism. Bodhisattvas are those who aspire to the attainment of Buddhahood and devote themselves to altruistic deeds, especially deeds that cause others to attain Enlightenment. There are different iconographic images of Bodhisattvas.
In this period most popular Bodhisattva in Sri Lanka was the “Avalokiteshvara”. He is the Bodhisattva of compassion. Avalokiteshvara also appears in different iconographic forms. When he carries a Lotus Flower in his hand called “Padmapani” form. He bears the Vajra symbol in his hand in the “Vajrapani” form. The wife of Avalokitesvara is “Tara”. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva could be easily identified by the small Buddha adorning in his crown or headdress.
Within the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, Avalokitesvara is also identified as Natha Deviyo or Lokeshvara Natha (Natha), who lives in Tushita heaven and is destined to become the future Buddha “Maitreya”.
The adoption of Avalokiteshvara worship within the Sinhalese Buddhist tradition originated from the ruling Sinhalese monarchs. With the compassionate nature of Avalokiteshvara, he was perceived as the source of protection for the Sinhalese kingdoms of the past.
Several inscriptions mention, Avalokiteshvara has found from the Anuradhapura period and it is mentioned that King Mahasena and King Dhatusena had built Bodhisattva images. King Dappula I in the Anuradhapura period built a Maitreya Statue in Ruhuna with a height of 15 cubits. It is believed that the present Dambegoda Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Statue is the one built by King Dappula I.
In the Gampola period, King Bhuwanekabahu IV has built Maitreya and Natha statues at Lankatilaka Viharaya in Kandy. King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe had built a Maitreya image at the Ridi Viharaya, Kurunegala. There are Maitreya and Nātha images at the Dambulla Cave Temple. At the Kelaniya temple, a 5.4 m high stone statue of the Avalokiteshvara can be found.
The 8th-century Situlpahuva Avalokiteshvara is considered the earliest image of Avalokiteshvara found in Sri Lanka. The statue was discovered in Situlpahuva within the jungle of Yala National Park. Statues of Avalokitesvara, Maitreya, Manjushri, and Tara can be seen at Buduruwagala near Wellawaya. There is another statue at Weligama called Kushtharajagala Bodhisattva and another one in Muhudu Maha Viharaya at Pottuvil. The Veheragala Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva displayed at Colombo National Museum is considered the finest Bodhisattva image ever found in Sri Lanka. The Statue of Tara currently displayed in the British Museum found in Trincomalee is considered a masterpiece of Sri Lankan art.
Let’s explore the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in Sri Lanka!
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| DAY 1 | Colombo |
| DAY 2 & 3 | Yala |
| DAY 4, 5 & 6 | Arugam Bay |
| DAY 7 & 8 | Sigiriya |
| DAY 9 | Negombo |
from USD 980
Per person on double sharing basis
Tour Map
Key Highlights
- Visit Kelaniya - Weligama – Mirissa – Yala – Arugambay – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Dambulla – Minneriya – Anuradhapura - Negombo
- Visit the old town of Galle and its Fortifications
- Dolphins and Whales watching, Mirissa
- Explore Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statue at Kushtarajagala
- Boat ride to explore Great Basses Reef, Little Basses Reef, Lighthouses.
- Visit Situlpawwa monastery
- Full-day wildlife safari at Yala national park
- Explore Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva Image at Dambegoda, and “Buduruwagala” rock carvings
- Try surfing at Arugam Bay.
- Explore Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva statue at Muhudu Maha Viharaya
- Cycling inside the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Morning hike to Pidurangala rock to witness the sunrise at the top.
- Explore the ancient city of Sigiriya
- Elephant watching, Kaudulla national park
- Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura
What's included
- Accommodation for 9 Nights.
- 9 Nights’ accommodation sharing Double Room on HB (breakfast and dinner) basis as per itinerary.
- Services of TLJ’s English speaking accredited chauffeur-guide accompanying throughout the tour.
- Travel in a late model mid-sized air-conditioned car.
- Local transfers
- Government tax and service charges
- Entrance and activity charges directly pay at the site as per itinerary
What's Not included
- All activities not detailed in inclusions are Pay As You Go.
- International airfares.
- Lunch, snacks & beverages.
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Tips for guide / driver / assistant
- Visa fees
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Video camera and still camera fees
- Permits at some locations
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