Destination
Bahirawa Kanda Vihara Buddha Statue
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Travel approximately 3 kms via Pushpadana Road in Kandy, in the ascending direction passing Pushpadana Balika Vidyalaya to reach Bahirawa Kanda. The mountain is 650 feet above the Kandy town and this remarkable location is of special significance to Buddhists. An 88-foot standing Buddha statue is seen on its summit, facing the Dalada Maligawa. There is an abundance of stories in folklore about the name Bahirawa Kanda. A southward branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi was planted on this mountain summit, and a Ran Weta erected around it. Dedicated since the olden times to a demon/deity known in folklore as ‘Bhairava,’ this has been a venue for animal sacrifices for protection from ‘evil influences’ according to superstitions, even to the extent of making the occasional human sacrifice. The last such ‘virgin’ sacrifice on the mountain was Welikala Menike, according to legends. The story, however, goes on to explain that she in fact was rescued by Lunuwila Nilame, her lover. The role of the demon Bhairava, according to the story, was personified by the King’s Chief Purohitha (counsellor). Once his true identity was revealed, the Yaaga (sacrifice ritual) was suspended forthwith and the Dynasty resolved to rectify their ways of governance.
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