Beneath the emerald canopy of Sri Lanka’s hills stands Sri Ashokaramaya a testament to faith and devotion. This isn’t just any temple. It’s a living history book a place where stories whisper from the stones.
Sri Ashokaramaya’s foundation lies not in grand royal decrees but in the humble sermons of a monk. Aluthgama Sangharatne a respected Buddhist monk arrived in the village of Etanamadala. He sought refuge in a hermitage near the Kalu Ganga River. Villagers flocked to hear his wisdom. Their devotion inspired Elliyas Fernando a wealthy local. He saw the need for a proper place of worship.
Fernando didn’t just donate. He became the driving force behind Sri Ashokaramaya’s construction. His generosity funded a small hall the Katti-paha. This allowed the monk to give sermons more comfortably. The hall quickly proved too small. As more people came Fernando funded renovations and expansions.
The name changed to Dharma Salava a space where the teachings of the Buddha flourished. Before Dharma Salava existed a small shrine allowed devotees to make offerings. A temporary preaching hall was also built. This housed new monks while the main hall underwent expansion. At the heart of this complex a relic chamber holds treasures of religious significance.
Fernando’s generosity continued. He built a “mansion for Buddha”. This structure is now the Vihara Mandira a shrine house. A stone inscription on the shrine reads “This Temple Asokarama is offered to the Monks by the devotee Elliyas Fernando”. This shows the depth of his devotion and his unwavering support for the temple.
The temple’s growth didn’t stop with Fernando’s contributions. After Aluthgama Sangharatne’s passing other monks continued to expand and enhance Sri Ashokaramaya. Stupas were built holding sacred relics. A bell tower a Bo-Tree and an expansive preaching hall were added over the years. Each addition reflects the enduring spirit of Sri Ashokaramaya. The temple lives and breathes. It is a testament to the unwavering faith of the people and the kindness of a single man. It stands as a beacon of hope. A symbol of lasting devotion.