04 September 2009

Kirinda Beach


This is a similar beach to the one I posted a few days back. The difference may be that this one is more popular and you may see lots of visitors here every day.

Kirinda, is situated South of Sri Lanka close to Yala National Park. This is a popular beach venue for thousands of devotees who go on pilgrimage to Katharagama – The place of worship, South of Sri Lanka where all Sri Lankans visit so religiously regardless of their religion or creed.

There is a small temple in this place on top of a medium size rock outcrop facing the sea. As per the historical chronicles, a princess was sacrificed to the sea to prevent a catastrophic sea wave (Tsunami?) that destroyed the land in the Western coast of Sri Lanka more than 2000 years ago. To some extra ordinary reasons the sea wave was immediately suppressed and this princess survived and landed back at a remote beach South of Sri Lanka. People believe Kirinda is that historical place, where this princess landed safely. Subsequently this brave princess became famous as Queen Vihara Maha Devi.

This beach is one of the most attractive beaches in the Southern coastal belt.

27 comments:

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Betsy Banks Adams said...

Beautiful beach, K---and I enjoyed the story about the brave princess. Thanks for sharing.
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Hi Kirigalpotha, Thank you so much for that. I remember learning this in school as a child but had completely forgotten it...however, hearing it now, gives it a whole new meaning...! Especially knowing 'Kirinda' is where it supposedly happened... means I may never forget it again. How cool !

Gadgetgirl said...

Nicely captured K!

George said...

What a fascinating story to go with this beautiful beach. Thanks for taking us there.

පිටස්තරයා said...

I took these photos in the more popular part of the beach.

http://www.photos.chamiladealwis.com/2009/08/still-time/

http://www.photos.chamiladealwis.com/2009/08/waiting/

Unknown said...

Great shot! Ripe for the island. ;-)
Steven D!

rainfield61 said...

You have taken us with you to the beautiful beach.

Harshi said...

What a stunning rocky beach..! And this is indeed a historic site rich in history. Thanks for the info too.

It could have been a Tsunami that hit at that time, which was said to have occurred after the King executed an innocent Arhat Thero on a false charge.

And if I recall right, after the recent Tsunami devastation(2004), they showed on TV some ruins of a Buddhist temple, a good distance offshore, around Kirinda area I think. Now the temple sits beneath the ocean. They speculated it could have been the original temple dedicated for the princess perhaps.

Amila Salgado said...

I haven't been to this beach for a long time. Time for a religo-birding trip there.

betchai said...

wow, it looks so unspoiled, beautiful! the rocks and vegetation added character to the beach.

Linnea said...

Fantastic scene and shot...especially when you enlarge it!

Glennis said...

Great story, lucky princess to be returned from a sea sacrifice. The beach looks very natural and without a crowd of people, maybe there are lots of birds.

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Beautiful lighting!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Anonymous,
Thanks for that information.

Adelino,
Thanks very much for your comments!

Betsy,
It is more enjoyable when we could relate the story to a place ;)

Mommythecook,
Glad I could bring the story back to you :)

Gadgetgirl,
Thanks very much for your comments!

George,
You are most welcome and will take you to more interesting beaches next few weeks.

Chamila,
Thanks a lot for those photos. Yes I agree..I have shown the less crowded part of Kirinda :)

Steven D,
Thanks a lot for your comments :)

Rainfield,
You are most welcome :)

Harumi,
I didnt know that part about the 'other temple in the ocean'. Thanks for the information!
I'm quite sure it was another Tsunami that hit SL 2000 yrs back.

Gallicissa,
Since Yala and Bundala are on either sides of this area, Kirinda also should be rich with rare birds.
'Religo - Birding Trip' - I like it :)

Betchai,
I really like rocky beaches and we find many in this part of the island.

Linnea,
Yes I agree. There is lot of details in this picture and most won't show in a small frame :)

Glennis,
Usually the crowd is seen on the other side of the beach. This location is close to two national parks (i.e. Yala and Bundala), so it is quite rich with birds.

Tabib,
Thanks for your comments!

Janith said...

I remember going to Kirinda a few times... it's a really wonderful location near the shore, isn't it? :)

Kirigalpoththa said...

Chavie,
Yep, it is one of my favourite places! Guess lots of people make it a point to visit here on the way to Katharagama.
Thanks for your comments!

poefusion said...

what an interesting story about the princess being sacrificed and landing on another island. the beach you've pictured here is beautiful. one could certainly get lost there. hope all is well.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Hi Michelle,
It is the same island but she landed on another area ruled by a different king.
Thanks a lot for your comments!

dev wijewardane said...

lovely place... i haven't been there in ages!

Kirigalpoththa said...

Dev,
It is such a lovely place, that you feel like going quite often :)

christina said...

Beautiful pics here. Lovely besch, i want to come there.

Thanks for passing by!

/christina

Kirigalpoththa said...

Hi Christina,

You are welcome and thanks a lot for your comments!

Unknown said...

i like rocky beaches. i hope you have time to check out my watery post.

Kirigalpoththa said...

Hi Luna,
Thanks for you comments and yes I saw your interesting watery post :)

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful beach, thanks for sharing

Kirigalpoththa said...

Regina / Eileeninmd,
Many Thanks for your comments!!