Sambodhi Chaitya
Sambodhi Chaitya
A modern Buddhist dagoba, Sambodhi Chaitya was built in 1956 to commemorate the 2,500thdeath. Perched on stilts, 20 m above the ground, with the harbor roads running underneath, it is a landmark for visitors arriving in Colombo by sea. The dagoba can also be seen from some rooms of the nearby Grand Oriental Hotel. Inside, colorful murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and important Buddhist events line the circular walls of the shrine. The elevated walkway inside the dagoba offers fantastic views of the busy harbor as well as Colombo’s skyline.
This is usually a guardian on the grounds of the temple who takes visitors up in the life and unlocks he door to the temple. There is also staircase with some 260 shallow steps leading to the top. Visitors are expected to take off their shoes before entering the complex as a mark of respect. Note that the area around the temple, being in the vicinity of the President’s House, is a High Security Zone.
