Nagadeepa(Nainativu) Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

senehasa (74)memberCLUB100in Steem Sri Lanka • 2 months ago (edited)

Last May 12th, we went to the Jaffna Peninsula for a tour. On that visit, we had a chance to worship Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya. It is one of the sixteen most sacred worship places in Sri Lanka.

Location

Nainativu is one of the smallest populated islands in the Gulf of Mannar.

_{Special Boat belongs to the Navy in Gulf of Mannar}

How to reach Nainativu Island.

The Jaffna Peninsula is about 400 kilometers away from Colombo. To reach Jaffna from Colombo, there are two ways. One is through Kurunegala, and the other is through Puttalam. Both ways take about 7-8 hours. From Jaffna city, there is a long causeway to Kayts Island and then to Pungudutivu Island. That route is well built to travel for any vehicle. From Jaffna City to Pungudutivu, there is public and private transport for pilgrims. But we went there by our bus. The distance from Jaffna to Pungudutivu is about 30 km.

The Kurikadduwan Ferry Jetty on Punkudutivu Island

Arrival terminal to the Nainativu and Delf Islands

_{People waiting in line to climb the boat}

To reach Nagadeepa, we can get access from the Kurikadduwan Jetty on Punkudutivu Island. From there, pilgrims have to take a boat. There is no schedule for boat service, but the first boat starts at 7:30 a.m. Every boat leaves as soon as it is filled with pilgrims. The last boat is at 4.00 p.m. It takes about 20 minutes to take boat rides. Before climbing into the boat, we all have to wear safety jackets. The cost for a boat per person is approximately LKR 80.00 (About 2 steem). There are semi-luxury boats also that cost 100 rupees each. We used that semi-luxury boat for our return journey. Temple Jetty was the destination of the boat service. It was a very playful and adventurous journey through the sea. From Temple Jetty, we have to walk about 1/2 km to reach the temple.

Pilgrims are waiting at the jetty to board the boat.

Safety jacket distribution person

Pilgrims waiting for a seat in the boat

Dropping off pilgrims at the temple jetty

Image of the sea taken sitting in the boat

The route to Nagadeepa Viharaya from Jaffna. Google Map.

Nagadeepa Temple

According to history, the Lord Buddha visited this place to make peace between the two Naga brothers, Chullodara and Mahodara, when they fought for the gem throne. It is said that at that moment the Lord Buddha preached Dhamma at this place to Nagas.

Walking way to the temple through the sea

There are two shrines at the temple. The main shrine is behind the Rajayathana stupa, and the second shrine is small compared to the first one. It is believed that the gem throne was enshrined in this Rajayathana stupa. The ancient Bodhi tree is located other side of the temple. The special thing I noticed in that temple was the white Bho tree; I had never seen it anywhere.

Main shrine

Bho tree other side of the temple

The clean and beautiful environment of the temple

Rajayathana stupa, where a gem throne is said to be enshrined.

White Bho Tree

A very valued museum can also be seen on these premises, filled with valuable statues, the model of a gem-studded throne, a model of a footprint of Lord Buddha, and our ancient tools.

Items in the museum

The temple was very calm, even though there were a lot of pilgrims. We visited there in the early hours of the day. We could worship the place without any tiredness, as the place was filled with sea winds and lots of coconut trees.

Trade stalls at the vehicle park

If you have a chance to visit Jaffna, never forget to visit this temple, as it is of historical significance. And also, it is a very thrilling journey as it goes through the sea.

The place	Nagadeepa Purana Rahanamaha Viharaya
Type of Place	Temple
Opening dates and time	Open for visitors at any time, but boat service is available from 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Location	on Google Maps on Atlas Map
Website/Social Media	No official ones
Sources	Wikipedia
Date visit by us	May 12, 2025