Japanese Peace Pagoda In Rumassala, Unawatuna, Galle

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Japanese Peace Pagoda In Rumassala - ගාල්ල රූමස්සල ජපාන සාම චෛත්‍යය

Rumassala is a captivating blend of Rāmāyaṇa legends and colonial history near Unawatuna. From Hanumān’s dropped Himalayan fragment to Arthur C. Clarke’s magnetic anomalies, this hill radiates mystery. Atop its slopes, the Sama Cetiya Peace Pagoda, symbolizing a global movement for harmony and resilience, offers spiritual serenity and panoramic ocean views.

Rumassala, referred to by colonialists as Buona Vista, is a site rich in legend, history, and natural beauty. This prominent hill near Unawatuna is closely associated with local folklore and the ancient Indian epic, the Rāmāyaṇa. According to the epic, the monkey-warrior Hanumān is believed to have dropped a fragment of the Himālaya here while carrying medicinal herbs, giving rise to the present hill. Even today, the area is noted for its diversity of medicinal plants.

Adding to its mysterious character, Arthur C. Clarke once observed a significant magnetic anomaly in the vicinity, suggesting the possibility of a meteorite impact.

During the colonial era, particularly under Portuguese rule, Rumassala gained a more sinister reputation. It is said that the Portuguese used deceptive light signals from the hill to mislead Arab trading vessels, causing them to wreck upon the surrounding rocky coastline.

The Sama Cetiya (Peace Pagoda)

Perched atop the tranquil slopes of Rumassala, the Sama Cetiya (Peace Pagoda) stands as a symbol of harmony and spirituality. This white stupa was constructed by the Nipponzan Myohoji on February 23, 2004.

It is one of five Peace Pagodas in Sri Lanka, the others being located at Śrī Pāda, Bandarawela, Walapane, and Ampara. Globally, more than 80 such pagodas had been established by the year 2000 across countries, including Japan, India, Nepal, Australia, Italy, and the United States.

Architecturally, the stupa is surrounded by a broad circular walkway. Four statues of the Buddha are positioned at intervals, representing key moments in his life—birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and parinibbāna. The site offers sweeping panoramic views of the ocean, and a shaded path leads from the pagoda down to the beach, lined with mature trees that enhance the serene atmosphere.

Legends Surrounding Rumassala

The origins of Rumassala are deeply embedded in tradition. According to the Rāmāyaṇa, Hanumān was tasked with retrieving life-saving herbs to heal Lakṣmaṇa, who had been gravely wounded in battle against Rāvaṇa. Unable to identify the exact plants, he uprooted an entire section of the Himālaya to carry back. Legend holds that a fragment of this mountain fell at Rumassala, forming the hill.

The nearby village named Unawatuna is believed to derive from the Sinhala phrase “Unna Wētuna,” meaning “it fell here,” further reinforcing this narrative.

The Peace Pagoda Movement

Beyond its mythological associations, the Peace Pagoda represents a global movement promoting unity and non-violence. This initiative was led by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese monk who met Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and was inspired to dedicate his life to peace.

Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Fujii began constructing Peace Pagodas worldwide as symbols of healing and reconciliation.

In Sri Lanka, the movement is represented by Venerable Asami of Nipponzan Myohoji, who emphasized that these stupas reflect a commitment to preserving the island’s Buddhist heritage. Despite cultural disruptions during Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions have endured, and monuments like the Sama Cetiya symbolize this resilience.

Journey to the Sama Cetiya

Reaching the Peace Pagoda is straightforward and scenic. Traveling from Colombo toward Kataragama, one passes through Galle, and approximately ten minutes beyond, a seaside signboard indicates the road to Rumassala Sama Cetiya. A narrow route leads uphill to the summit, where the pagoda stands prominently, visible even to ships approaching Galle Harbor.

Japanese Peace Pagoda at the Rumassala Hill in Galle

statue of Maithree Bodhisattva at the Hanuman Temple in Rumassala

Hanuman Temple at the Rumassala Mountain

Nearby: Śrī Vivekārāmaya Temple

Continuing past the Peace Pagoda leads to Śrī Vivekārāmaya, a recently established temple set amidst the quiet greenery of the hillside. This site offers an additional layer to the spiritual landscape of Rumassala.

Within its grounds are several notable features, including a large statue of Hanumān depicted carrying a portion of the Himālaya, vividly illustrating the legendary episode from the Rāmāyaṇa. Another prominent figure is Maitreya (Maithrī) Bodhisattva, symbolizing the future Buddha and embodying compassion and loving-kindness.

Together, these elements create a unique synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu traditions, enriching the cultural and spiritual significance of Rumassala.

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Travel Directions to Japanese Peace Pagoda In Rumassala in Unawatuna

Route from Galle to Japanese Peace Pagoda In Rumassala, Unawatuna	Route from Colombo to Japanese Peace Pagoda In Rumassala, Unawatuna
Distance :5 km Travel time : 10 mins Driving directions : see on google map	Though : Southern Highway Distance :125 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map