Heritage

Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage (හිරිවඩුන්න ශ්‍රී බෝධිරාජ ආරණ්‍ය සේනාසනය)

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The main Bodhi Tree of Hiriwadunna Hermitage which is at the center of controversy
photo licensed under CC BY-ND 3.0 by krishan De Mel

Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage is an ancient temple complex that gained public attention in recent years following the publication of a controversial book claiming that Bodh Gaya was, in fact, located at Hiriwadunna.

The Hiriwadunna ruins, together with an ancient bodhi tree, are situated just before Habarana, approximately 1 km (0.62 miles) from the main road.

The Controversial Theory

The site drew significant attention when a local monk published a book titled Apa Upan Me Helabima Budun Upan Jambudweepayai (අප උපන් මේ හෙළබිම බුදුන් උපන් ජම්බුද්වීපයයි). The work advances a conspiracy theory asserting that the Buddha was born and lived in ancient Sri Lanka, and that this history was deliberately obscured over time through a coordinated effort attributed to King Asoka of India.

According to this narrative, several key locations associated with the life of the Buddha are re-identified within Sri Lanka. Lumbiniya, the birthplace, is placed at Theldeniya; Isipathanaya, where the first sermon was delivered, is identified as Isinbessagala Viharaya in Medawachchiya; Kusinara, the place of passing away, is linked to Budugala; and Bodh Gaya, the site of enlightenment, is equated with Hiriwadunna. The ancient bodhi tree at the hermitage is thus claimed to be the original Sri Maha Bodhi, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Archaeological Features and Interpretations

At the base of the ancient bo tree lies a large stone slab, likely an Asanaghara (a symbolic seat of the Buddha), now partially enveloped by the tree’s roots. This has been interpreted within the theory as the Vajrasanaya, the seat upon which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

A nearby stream has been identified as the ancient Neranjana River. The presence of a particular type of tussock grass, uncommon in the area, is described as Kusa Thana, believed in the narrative to have been offered to the Buddha by the merchants Thapassu and Balluka during the seventh week after enlightenment.

Ruins of an ancient sakman maluwa—a promenade used for meditative walking—are attributed to Muchalinda, the serpent king, and associated with the third week after enlightenment. Nearby granite structures have been identified within the theory as the Ruwan Geya, linked to the fourth week.

Contemporary Perspective

Despite these claims, the theory presented in the book has been widely rejected and has even been removed from library circulation. Nevertheless, Hiriwadunna remains a site of interest for those exploring the historical and religious landscape of Sri Lanka, particularly in relation to its Buddhist heritage.

The so called Kusa Thana Grass at the Hiriwadunna Hermitage

The stream which feeds the Hiriwadunna Tank, The Neranjana River according to the controversial book

Partially buried rock slab at the Bodhi Tree at the Hiriwadunna Hermitage

Part of a ancient Building which is part of the Ruwan Ge, the structure built by Muchalinda, the Cobra King according to the controversial book

The end of the Ruwan Sankman Maluwa at the Hiriwadunna Hermitage

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Map of Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage

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Travel Directions to Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage

Route from Colombo to Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage	Route from Dambulla to Hiriwadunna Sri Bodhiraja Forest Hermitage
Through : Divulapitiya – Giriulla – Narammala – Kurunegala Distance :179 Travel time : 4 hours. Driving directions : see on google map	Distance :22 km Travel time : 30 minutes. Driving directions : see on google map

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