Worship at 'Nagadipa', Sri Lanka.

The order of worship in a Teravada Buddhist temple is first the 'Chathya' containing the holy relics. Next the sacred 'Bo' Tree under which the Sakyamuni attained Buddhahood and lastly the statue of Lord Buddha.

The 'Chaithya' - 'Saaririka'

The sacred 'Bo Tree' - 'Paaribhogika'

The image representing Lord Buddha - 'Uddhesika'

Nagadeepa, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The 'Thorana' being constructed.

A statue of Lord Buddha being protected by a Naga King.

'Nagadeepa' is recorded in the ancient 'Pali' chronicles, as the site where Lord Buddha paid a dispute to settle a feud between two Naga rulers. It is also mentioned in the Tamil Buddhist Kavya 'Manimekalai', written about the second century AD. Manimekalai the heroine of the kavya is left stranded on this Island. She is shown by a resident tree God, the place of Lord Buddha's visit, where he preached a sermon to the assembled Nagas, who a moment before were at each others throats.

'Kurikaaduvaan, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

A 'Kattu-maram' T - 'tied logs', millenia old boat technology of these waters.

The queue on the jetty.

Nearing the embarkation point to Nagadipa.

Video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUV0dKTUehI

The road to 'Kurukaadduvaan' - Nagadipa, Sri Lanka.

The road

The queue for the ferry to Nagadipa - Nainathivu

Video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjSPP5riDrs

The road to Velanai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.

The road to Kurikaaduvaan is over numerous causeways which connect the many islands on the western side of Jaffna.

Videos:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcEVyF-8VtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjSPP5riDrs