subject: The Peace Pagoda of Galle – A Beacon of Peace from Land and Sea [print this page] The Peace Pagoda of Galle A Beacon of Peace from Land and Sea
The Peace Pagodas of the Nipponzan-Myohoji Buddhist Order began to be constructed around the world following the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of the Second World War. The Nichidatsu Fujii was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Ghandi to devote his life to spreading the message of non-violence and world peace. The Peace Pagodas are meant to be international symbols of his vision. The first Peace Pagodas were built to honour the thousands who died in the bombing of the Japanese cities. By the beginning of the new century, over 80 of these structures had been built all over the world.
Today, the Emerald Isle of Sri Lanka boasts no less than four of these serene shrines. These grace the scenic hills of Bandarawela, the dry lands of Ampara and Walapane and one upon a headland near Roomassalama, between the coastal towns of Galle and Unawatuna, which is known to the locals as the Sama Ceitiya.
The Sama Ceitiya near Galle was established in February 2004. Ever since, the beautiful shrine has served as both a tourist attraction and a venue for peace gatherings. The most notable of these was held on the one year anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami, which was the most devastating natural disaster ever faced by the island.
The pagoda actually takes the shape of a "stupa". This is a gleaming white dome-shaped shrine atop which is set a golden spire that stands upon a square base at the apex of the dome. The large dome itself is set upon a semi-cylindrical base that forms a flat, broad ring of stairs. Four shrines flank the stupa from all four directions. These house golden statues of the Buddha, indicating his birth, enlightenment and death.
The shrine set upon a low outcrop of land close to the beach, surrounded by lush carpets of grass and green. The location affords beautiful views of the turquoise sea and the ships sailing into and from the nearby Galle port, adding to the serenity and tranquillity of the atmosphere. For the seafarers aboard, the shrine appears dazzling white jewel against the blue of the waves and skies. A track shaded by full-grown trees leads from the Sama Ceitiya to the powdered sands of the rock-strewn beach. Apart from these charms, the Peace Pagoda is also a popular stopping point for tourists visiting the nearby Roomassalama, which is featured in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the place where the kidnapped Queen Sita had abided till her rescue.
This is a site that tourists staying in one of the Galle resorts are strongly encouraged to visit. For nature lovers looking for the private luxury and intimacy are directed to the luxury villas of Jetwing Kurulubedda. This hotel offers two private, fully-serviced getaways set amid the serenity and seclusion of nature, providing the kind of luxurious escape no other accommodation or boutique hotel in Galle can offer.
