Matara Bodhiya - මාතර බෝධිය (மாதாரா போ மரம்) — Local services in Matara

Located on the main road from Colombo to Kataragama, facing the Uyanwatta stadium, this very sacred Matara historical Bodhi Rajaya was built in AD. It is confirmed by ancient documents and legends that it is a place with a historical background dating back to the time of Kumaradasa, who became the king of Sri Lanka in 515. It is said that Kalidasa, who came to Sri Lanka as a state guest at the invitation of King Kumaradasa on the occasion of the planting of this Bodhiraja, met with an unfortunate fate and lost his life. It is said that along with the five queens who killed themselves, the king and the seven people who advised him escaped with their lives. To commemorate this tragedy, 7 bodhi trees were planted in the city of Matara and since then this place was called 'Hat Bodhi Garden'. The historic Bodhi King of Matara is believed to be one of those Bodhis. Botanists have revealed that this historic Matara Bodhi tree belongs to the tribe of Anuradhapura Vijaya • Jaya • Maha Bodhi King.

The British rulers who ruled the country at that time made various threats to this historical place of worship and even set a date to cut down this Bodhisattva with the intention of teaching a lesson to the Buddhists in order to expand the territory of Matara Municipality. But at that time, the Buddhist businessmen in Matara city together with government officials and officials of Matara City Council and other Buddhist people have defended it with great difficulty in the midst of various threats. At their initiative, Bodhi arranged to worship a sitting Buddha statue in front of him and to enhance the sanctity here, a small Buddha temple, a small pagoda and two temples were built. This small pagoda originally built is visible behind the temple.

Among the members of the Matara Bodhi Security Council, Paralo Sapat B. Mr. Ariyaratne and B. it. Mr. Simon Appuhami, K. P. Mr. Karanelis is among the people who took the lead for this. In 1961, K. T. Somapala, C. it. Dharmasena and R. Mr. Pallis started the construction of a pagoda by donating his wealth. The Matara Bodhi Defense Council was established on October 19, 1962 for the future existence and security of the Matara Bodhi Raja which was gradually developing.

Mr. Edman Samarasekera was appointed as the first chairman of the Matara Bodhi Security Council and he held that position continuously for 17 years until 1978, doing immaculate and immortal service and working for the advancement of the Bodhi King. After his death respectively Henry Gunasekara, C. it. Hemachandra, Barrister Richard Kulatunga, Sr. K. Mr. Chandrasoma, Amaradasa Kumanayake and Mr. Rohantha Samarasinghe were appointed and the current chairman is Mr. Dihan Samarasekera who is a noble belonging to a distinguished family of the area. He is devoting his time, wealth and labor to this cause And it should be mentioned with praise that with a religious feeling, we are doing a noble national, religious and social mission for the country, society and the Sambuddha Order.

There are many services provided by the Matara Bodhi Defense Council. Providing scholarships for higher education to children from low-income families, providing scholarships for student monks who are receiving special education, supporting the development activities of Matara General Hospital, providing free spectacles to children and adults from economically disadvantaged families, and providing medicines for indigent patients receiving hospital treatment. , providing contact lenses, providing material and financial assistance to uplift Dhamma school education in the area, making religious cultural and social donations, providing G.E.O. for school students in the area. Conducting regular school rehearsal seminars, preparing Buddha Dharma teaching projects with the aim of creating a generation with Dharmadhara Vinayadhara necessary for the future religious existence, providing support for the renovation of the existing temples in the area, with the aim of creating a Dharmakami society, daily evening Bodhi Pujas and Dharma sermons in honor of...

The Matara Bodhiya is a revered Buddhist site located in the heart of Matara, Sri Lanka. This sacred Bodhi tree, a species of fig tree (Ficus religiosa), is believed to be one of the saplings derived from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, making it a significant symbol of Buddhist heritage in the region.

The Matara Bodhiya is deeply intertwined with a poignant legend involving King Kumara Dharmasena (also known as Kumaradhatusena), who reigned from 512 to 522 AD, and his close friend, the renowned poet Kalidasa. According to the tale, the king, inspired by the sight of a bee entangled in a lotus flower, composed two poetic lines and offered a reward for their completion. Kalidasa completed the poem, but a courtesan, seeking the reward for herself, murdered him and concealed his body. This tragic story adds a layer of historical and emotional depth to the site.

Today, the Matara Bodhiya serves as a tranquil sanctuary for both locals and visitors seeking spiritual solace. Devotees often visit the site, especially on Poya (full moon) days, to offer prayers and engage in meditation under the shade of the sacred tree. The temple complex is not only a place of worship but also a center for community gatherings and religious ceremonies.

The site is maintained by the Matara Bodhi Arakshaka Sabhawa, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the temple's religious and cultural activities. They oversee various community services, including educational programs and charitable initiatives, further cementing the temple's role in the social fabric of Matara.

For visitors, the Matara Bodhiya offers a serene environment to reflect and experience the spiritual traditions of Sri Lanka. Its central location in Matara makes it easily accessible, and its rich history provides a profound connection to the island's...

Matara Bodhiya is a Sacred Fig tree in Matara, Sri Lanka.

Its origin can be traced back to a tragic story centred on King Kumara Dharmasena or Kumaradhatusena son of King Kasyapa of Sigiriya (512-522 AD) and his closet friend, Kalidasa, a famous dramatist and poet. According to the tale the king whilst in the amorous company of a courtesan, spied a bee entangled in the petals of a lotus flower, inspired he wrote two poetic lines. He then offered a reward to anybody who could complete the other two stanzas to his poem. The cunning courtesan seized the opportunity took the verse to Kalidasa, who completed the poem. The courtesan then murdered Kalidasa in order to keep the reward for herself, concealing the body. The king however instantly recognised his friend's handwriting bringing the whole murderous ruse to light. When Kalidasa's dead body was taken to the funeral pyre for cremation, the grieving king unable to control his grief over the death of his beloved friend, threw himself into the burning flames and immolated himself. Upon witnessed this tragedy, five official queens also leapt into the flames to their deaths.1

Local legend has it that seven Bo trees were planted over the seven tombs. These seven Bo trees are known locally as the "Hath Bodhis" and are said to be still surviving at six different places around Matara. Matara Bodhiya is one of those trees. It is respected and protected by the local buddhists.

In 1783 when the Dutch ruled Matara, a Dutch General is alleged to have cut down those seven Bo trees and had used their timber for the construction of local buildings, with only one...