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    Dambukola Patuna

    A Guide to Visiting The Temple

    This ancient northern port is now the site of a sacred Buddhist temple in Jaffna. Dambukola Patuna is recorded as the port where Theri Sangamitta, a Buddhist priestess, first landed when she brought a sapling of the holy Bo-Tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Theri Sangamitta’s kin brother and the eldest son of emperor Ashoka of India, Arhat Mahinda, had brought the teachings of the Buddha to the island one year prior, around 250 B.C.

    Highlights
    • The renovated White Stupa
    • Statue of Theri Sangamitta and the model ship
    • The Sacred Bo-Tree
    • Beautiful Ocean Views

    Jambukolapatuna, as it was known in ancient times, was one of the country’s main seaports centuries ago. As a sign of respect and to commemorate the arrival of the Bo-tree, the Sri Lankan King at that time, King Devanampiyatissa, is known to have built a stupa and temple here named “Samudda Pansala,” or ocean temple. The king also planted eight bo-trees around the area from the same original Bo-tree sapling before taking the original tree to Anuradhapura, the royal kingdom.

    Although the originally built stupa and the bo-trees fell to ruins over time, after the end of the civil war, the Sri Lankan Navy built a stupa and a small temple here in reverence of this significant event in the island’s history. Completed in 65 days, it is known as the fastest-built temple, and the Navy also planted a Bo-tree here in 1998 to mark the significant occasion.

    A statue of Theri Sangamitta and a replica of the vessel she travelled in are set on the small lake next to the temple.

    The importance of the port of Dambukola Patuna diminished in time, with the port of Manthota in the island’s west gaining prominence and soon becoming the main port for travellers. The seaside around the temple is also famous for capturing beautiful photography.

    Tips: Visitors must remove their footwear and dress, covering their shoulders and knees before entering the temple.

    Hours of Operation and Location

    Dambukola Patuna Temple
    Located off the AB 21 Highway (Jaffna – Point Pedro Road)
    Hours of Operation: Daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
    (No Tickers Required as of October 2024)

    Speak to Our Concierge
    Telephone
    +94 76 757 8865
    whatsapp
    +94 76 757 8865
    Address
    2D,
    Inner Bagatalle Road,
    Colombo 03,
    Sri Lanka.

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