| Dambakola Patuna is the modern spelling of the most important ancient natural harbour of the Jaffna Peninsula, which is situated at its northern coastline, to the west of the famous Shiva temple of Keerimalai (Naguleshvaram). Dambakola is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in northern Sri Lanka. The sanctuary is known as Samudda Pansala. The temple that can be seen today was built in the late 20th century by the Sri Lankan Navy during the civil war at the place of the ancient Jambukola Viharaya, of which almost nothing remains. The stupa at Dambakola Pattuna commemorates the landing place of the first sapling of the sacred Bo tree which was brought by Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitta, who was the first Buddhist nun of the island. Read our detailed description of Dambakola Pattuna here... |
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