This historic coastal temple in Jaffna marks the sacred spot where the venerated Bo tree sapling arrived over two millennia ago to help establish Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Why visit Dambakola Patuna Temple

• Historical Significance: The site is important because it marks the arrival of the Sacred Bodhi Sapling in Sri Lanka when Sanghamitta brought it from India.
• Oldest Living Tree: The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, which is the sapling planted in Anuradhapura by King Devanampiyatissa, is the oldest surviving human-planted tree in the world, adding to the historical value of the area.
• Beautiful Location: Sri Sangamitta Viharaya is located on the northern coastline of Sri Lanka, offering stunning views of the Palk Strait. On clear days, visitors can even see parts of India’s southern coastline.
• Recent Developments: Although the original temple built in ancient times no longer exists, the Sri Lankan Navy constructed the new Sri Sangamitta Viharaya, which includes a new stupa and has been built in just 65 days.
• Cultural Heritage: The site is mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahavamsa, highlighting its importance as a place where pilgrims from distant lands came to worship, linking it to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.