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Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya
It is believed that the Buddha resided in Nagadeepa Vihara, which is located less than half a kilometer down the road from the temple, when he visited the little island. The Bodhi Tree and the silver-painted stupa stand on opposite sides of the road. There are also two temples, one of which houses a bronze Buddha figure gifted from the government of Burma in 1956.
The history of Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya dates back to only five years following the Buddha’s enlightenment, as has already been established. It was discovered that Maniakkika, Chulodara, and Mahodara were the three Naga monarchs. After Chulodara wed his uncle’s daughter, Mahodara’s, he was given the jeweled throne as a present. The princess had a very early death. After her passing, Chulodara was requested by his uncle to give up the throne, but he declined. As a result, they had a huge argument.
Lord Buddha’s arrival in Sri Lanka was a turning point in the conflict. At an effort to broker a truce, he landed in Nagadeepa (then known as Mahodara’s realm). The two monarchs were so placated by his Dhammas and sermons on unity and peace that they converted to Buddhism. The two rival monarchs brought Lord Buddha an offer of peace by presenting him with their contested throne. The Naga Kings accepted it as a gift from Buddha and enshrined it in the stupa at the Nagadeepa temple. The Nagadeepa Vihara was initially built by King Devanampiyatissa and then enlarged by King Dutugemunu. For Buddhists, it quickly rose to the status of a holy site.
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