Poyamalu Temple, Waguruwela
You know Sri Lanka is an island centered around Buddhism. Nonetheless, we are a multicultural country, having lived peacefully for thousands of years. So, let me introduce you to my Village temple this time, Waguruwela Poyamalu Temple.
Eventhough it's small in scale, the temple is the heart of the village, becoming the spiritual center for the local community. It's always connected with every good activity of the people, and has been a pillar for more than a century now.
The Location
The temple is situated in my peaceful village of Waguruwela in the Monaragala District, Uva Province, Sri Lanka. From Buttala town, take the Kataragama road for around 5km. It's a smooth ride on the carpet road, and then there is a junction. After around 50m to the left, you can see the temple. It's just next to the Waguruwela main school. So, it's the main part in shaping the lives of school kids as well.
The temple is in the middle of the area, and seven neighboring communities visit here regularly. So, it's at least 800+ families.
The Landscape and the monk's resident
Well, the front is covered with a block wall, and there's a huge entrance gate all painted in white. It's always open, and anyone is welcome to the premises anytime.
And as you can see, the landscape is just beautiful. One part where the monks' resident area is maintained in greenery with a perfect landscape. And the other worshiping area is covered with a sandy compound. Devotees always keep the premises clean and tidy.
The Stupa
The Bodih tree
Well, the temple was constructed around 100 years ago, and with time, many features have been added. Earlier, head priest Moratuwagama Pannananda Thero did an amazing job in converting the temple to this status.
Just like any temple, there are basic components here like the stupa, the Bodhi tree, and the image house. The current Stupa was constructed around 15 years ago when I was a kid. It's not very big, but it serves as the highlight of the temple. Painted with white color, and guarded with a high wall, with the protection from Bo trees, even the sight makes us calm.
There are two Bodhi trees in the premises, which are guarded by gold-coated fences. There are small huts to offer flowers.
The vihara (image house)
The Sacred relics
And in another corner, there is the image house with a statue of Lord Buddha and images around the walls. It has a high roof with perfect ventilation. And recently, the head priest stored sacred relics inside the house. Devotees worship them and do nthe ecessary rituals there every day.
>Building for sermons
The Hindu Shrine
As you know, there are regular sermons, Dhamma activities, and Poya day programs in every temple. So, the left building in the above image is dedicated to those. It's more than enough to host 500+ people, and in the center, there is another Buddha statue. The floor is well tiled, and there's perfect ventilation for people.
As I said earlier, there is a separate Hindu Shrine to represent the multicultural cooperation. Even Buddhist people seek blessings from Hindu Gods here.
The Pre School
The 24-hour Lamp
Another important part of the temple is the preschool. Normally, aged 3-5 kids go to pre-schools in Sri Lanka, and the temple has been contributing to that for more than two decades. Recently it received a new building to provide proper guidance to the kids. Now there are around 40 kids, with two teachers.
The government is overseeing everything under the Ministry of Education.
Other than that, three years ago, a water-purification unit was installed there. Villagers can have drinking water from there for a very low price. So, the temple is more than a spiritual center.
Buddha Offerings
Carrying them with respect
So, we prepared meals for the monks on that day and offered them. The meals have been assigned to every family associated with the temple in rotation. Everyone does that in utmost respect and spirit.
So, if you are nearby, I invite you to visit it.
| The Place | Poyamalu Temple, Waguruwela |
|---|---|
| Type of place | Temple |
| Opening days and hours | 24*7 |
| Location | on Google Maps |
| Contact Number | +9455-2273778 |
| Website/ Social Media | No official ones |
| Time of Visit | 21st of April, 2025 |
Until the next time! Enjoy!
Thank you.
Best Regards!
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