An old ruin of a Stupa and the sacred Footprints chiselled on granite, Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka.

Worship of an image of Lord Buddha was a later developement. In the early years of Buddhism only objects signifying the presence of the Master ('sankhetha'), like a pair of feet, an umbrella, a whisk or an empty throne were used. This was in keeping with the philosophy of attaining Nibbana when 'nothing remains'.

Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka - Water reservoir and ruins.

Rain water collected in an open reservoir met the needs of the community of monks. The ruins of an ancient building are also seen from this photograph taken from a rock housing a stupa.

'Sithulpawwa', Sri Lanka.

This ancient site dating back to the 2nd Century BC is a mass of rock and trees. It has been used as a site of Buddhist meditation. The breezes from the ocean not far away give a tranquil atmosphere which owerwhelms one on a visit here. Click on the underlined web-link below to watch a video-clip of same:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9SR4zT6dP4

On the road to Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka.

Emptied bottles of liquor form a barrier to wild elephants, at a check-point on the road to the historic site of Sithulpawwa. This place is a sacred area venerated by the Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

Tissa Wewa, Tissa, Sri Lanka.

The peace and tranquility near a Wewa is appreciated by viewing these pictures. Imagine a brisk breeze caressing your body and the sounds of the wild birds assailing your ears.

Click on web link below to see a video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EEFA7KMNOc

Common Kingfisher near the hot water springs, Sooriyawewa.

I saw this 'Common Kingfisher' in the vicinity of the hot water springs at Sooriyawewa, in a paddy field.

Bank of the Chandrikawewa, Sri Lanka.