Monday, March 4, 2013

Scenes of Pungudutheevu and Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

An abandoned once prosperous house.

An Islet where domestic cattle graze.

The road through Pungudutheevu.

A 'Pheasant-tailed Jacana' at Nallur.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The return ferry ride from Nagadeepa - Nainatheevu, Sri Lanka.

A passenger ferry-boat.

Inside the ferry - collecting the fare Rs.20/- per passenger.
The small diesel engine powering the boat.
Boat being moored before disembarking at Kurikkaduvan.

A peaceful ride with lifebelts worn. When the sea is choppy the boat service is temporarily halted.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Nagadeepa - Nainatheevu, Sri Lanka.

Sculpture of a Naga's head.
Fresh and aged flower of the 'Poovarasu' - 'Soporiyagas'


The road leading to the 'Nagapooshani Amman' temple.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Scenes at Nagadeepa Vihara, Sri Lanka.

Two representations of the legendary gem-studded thrones in the Vihare premises.



Nagadeepa - Nainatheevu is venerated by the Buddhists as the site of the visit of Lord Buddha during His existence as 'Sakya Muni'. On seeing by His paranormal powers that there was going to be a massacre of human lives over a fight for possession of a gem-set throne by two clans of Nagas, he appeared at the site and took possession of the throne. He then preached his Dhamma to the Nagas and brought peace and amity among them. This incident is related in the Tamil Buddhist kavya 'Manimekhalai' (estimated to have been composed in the time period second century to the eighth century of the present Era) and in the Mahawansa written in Pali in the fifth Century of the present Era.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013