I hope you are all well. Today I am participating in the "Week #4 of the Season 24 Steemit Challenge for Steem-atlas". In this article, I am going to share with you about a sacred place I recently visited. On the 13th of this month, the day after Vesak Poya Day, we went to worship at Kumbalwela with our villagers. So today I am going to share the details about the Kumbalwela Mahamevna Asapuwa.

History of the Mahamevna Monastery in Kumbalwela

This Kumbalwela mahamevna monastery, also known as Sri Satbudu Maha Seya Viharaya, was built in 2007 as another branch of the Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery complex under the guidance of our Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. The work of this monastery, spread over 48 acres, will be completed in August 2024. This is a monastery built on the basis of Theravada Buddhism. Now, pilgrims can worshipped this monastery every day.

Every day, many people come to visit this monastery, and on the day we visited, there were also many pilgrims. As the crowds increase in the afternoon, we reached the monastery area at 4.30 in the morning.

Location of the monastery

The Kumbalwela Mahamevnawa Meditation Monastery is located in the Kumbalwela area of ​​Ella in Badulla district, Sri Lanka. This meditation monastery is located on a mountain peak about 1300 meters above sea level.

Situated in a beautiful mountain range dominated by the Namunukula Mountains, this is also considered the highest monastery in the Uva Province. The surrounding area has a cold climate. Also, since this monastery is built on a mountain peak much higher than sea level, one has to travel four and a half kilometers from the main road to visit the monastery.

Architecture and design, and condition of the building

(Main stairs path to the monastery with rock carvings)

Talking about the architecture and designs used here, this 120 feet high monastery has a 20 feet high temple and a 100 feet high seya. The height of the koth is 15 feet. Also, since it is built to consist of the main relic stupa and 6 surrounding stupas, this temple is known as "Sri Satbudu Maha Seya".

The main stupa here is dedicated to Gautama Buddha, and the surrounding stupas are dedicated to the Buddhas from Vipassi Buddha to Kassapa Buddha.

(pun Kalas with beautiful carvings)

The exterior of the temple building is adorned with various deity statues and other small statues. There are also cement-built pun kalas on both sides of the steps leading into the temple.

(On both sides of the carved steps leading to the monastery.)

(Main entrance to the temple)

In addition, the main entrance steps to the temple are designed with various carvings, and you can see those carvings clearly in the pictures I have shared. And there are rock carvings on either side of the main entrance.

(The monastery)

(The pictures above show swans, various types of flowers, carvings, and statues of gods on the outside of the monastery wall.)

Inside Atmosphere

The interior of the monastery was beautifully carved and had interesting carvings everywhere. The interior was like a divine world. So beautiful. The ceiling was made of large glass bricks. The floor was made of wood.

When you go inside, you feel very relaxed. We sat inside for a while and worshipped. Also, on the inside walls, Jataka stories related to the Buddha were painted. And, inside, there are 7 beautiful statues of the seven Buddhas who appeared in the world in a hundred kalpas. Vipassi, Siddhi, Vessabhu, Kakusanda, Konagamana, Kassapa and Gautama.

Unfortunately, Taking pictures of the inside of the monastery is prohibited. So none of us were able to take pictures of the inside. But the picture I shared above gives you an idea of ​​what it's like inside.

Garden, Courtyard, and Field Conditions

Talking about the garden and surroundings around the temple, there is a Bodhi tree beyond the temple. There is also a place to light lamps and incense sticks next to it. Also, at the end of the main entrance to the temple, there are statues of two beautiful elephants. There is also a book store on both sides of the temple building.

(Damma book centre)

(The place where the lamps are lit)

(Place where incense is lit)

(The entrance to the Bodhi tree)

(The rock carving at the entrance to the bodhi tree)

(The Bodhi Tree)

Supporting Facilities

The monastery grounds have all the facilities needed by pilgrims visiting the monastery. There are good, clean toilets, easy access to drinking water, and a rest room for pilgrims to stop and rest.

Rules to be followed when entering the mahamevna monastery

It is mandatory for you to respect and adhere to the following rules when visiting the kumbalwela mahamevna monastery.

• Women are prohibited from wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved blouses or dresses, and if they do, they must wear a shawl to cover their upper body.

• Women are also prohibited from wearing clothing above the knee and are advised to wear a long, white, modest dress.

• Men should also wear clothing that covers their bodies.

• It is prohibited to enter wearing shoes and hats.

• Taking pictures inside is prohibited.

• It is prohibited to take food inside the temple or the surrounding courtyard.

• Bringing pets is prohibited

My experiences with the Kumbalwela Monastery

I went to Kumbhalwela for the first time on the 13th. I have not visited that monastery before. But I have heard a lot about that monastery from my friends and acquaintances. I have also seen pictures of it. This monastery is truly a perfect place to worship the relics of Lord Buddha. It has been built in a very beautiful way in terms of beauty.

Ease of access - Quite difficult
Supporting Facilities - Good
Beauty of area - Supper
Inside Atmosphere - Supper
Religious affiliation - Theravada Buddhism

(My little sister)

Other Informations

Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery - Kumbalwela, Ella
https://g.co/kgs/9cx7on7

Opening Hours - 6 AM - 9.30 PM

Website :-
1
2

Google map :-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JbkhHHApfWWgisyy9

Steem-atlas :-
//:# (!steematlas 6.87970422 lat 81.02783382 long Kumbalwela Mahamevna Monastery d3scr)

Location	Kumbwela mahamevna monastery - Ella - SriLanka
Camera used	iphone 16
Photographer	@nishadi89

I invite :-
@harshima10
@enamul17
@jyoti-thelight

---

🌼Thanks for reading🌼

---