The Lanka Patuna – known locally as the Lankapatua Samudragiri Viharaya – is one of the most ancient temples you’ll find in Sri Lanka. The temple was said to be built on the exact location that Prince Dante and Princess Hemamala – the two Indian royals that brought the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka – originally landed on the island.
If the legends are to be believed, it is said that the two Indian royals concealed themselves by dressing as Brahmins upon arriving in Sri Lanka. They hid in the surrounding area for several days before reaching the Sri Lankan king. There are several other Buddhist ruins scattered all around the Lankapatuna area. These are currently being researched by Sri Lankan archaeologist who believes them to be historically and culturally important. All of these ruins can be observed during a trip to Lankapatuna – it can be quite fun to explore and discover these one your own.
The Lankapatuna Temple itself stood proudly near the shores of Trincomalee for many years. Unfortunately, the area became a highly-contested warzone during Sri Lanka’s civil war. During this time, significant damage was done to the temple and it was in danger of being completely destroyed. Luckily, upon the war’s conclusion, the temple was renovated and a new stupa was constructed to replace the one which had fallen into ruin.
Nowadays, the Lankaptuna stands proudly once again as a monument of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. It is a great visit for both historical enthusiast and those with a penchant for exploring.
