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Tantirimale- The hidden 'jewel' -
The journey to Tantirimale from Anuradhapura is somewhat tedious since travellers or pilgrims have to encompass treacherous beast terrain. However, the 33-km distance is 'money's value' where you... the historic Tantirimale Temple on the left flank from the Pemaduwa junction connects the Mahavillachchiya Reservoir which is considered to be one of the longest tanks located in the North Central Province. The significance in the Tantirimale is the Bo tree you find on the vortex of the rock where Sangamitta on her way to Anuradhapura with the sacred Bo sapling had made her transit point in Tantirimale which was earlier known as Tevakka Bamunugama. In the history books it clearly mentions that the provincial leader Tevakka had given a grand welcome to Sangamitta on her arrival at Tantirimale during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa in 275 BC. Besides the Bo Tree and dagabo the Tantirimale Temple consists of a Samadhi Statue and a Sathapena Pilima of Lord Buddha. However, it is not yet known whether these carvings belong to the Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa era. The left flank of the Pemaduwa directs to Vilachchiya town. Two kilometres northwards you find the Mahavillachiniya reservoir. The tank belongs to Anuradhapura and was built by Prince Saliya in 140 AD.
It provides irrigation to a total of 2664 acres of paddy cultivation in the northern sector of Rajarata. However, the point that the villagers brought in was during the premiership of Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, the immediate action was taken to restore the tank and brought it to the condition it is today. Whilst admiring the late Premier the villagers paid a glowing tribute to C. P. de Silva, the late Minister of Land, Irrigation and Power who along with A. E. C. de S. Gunasekera Consultant Engineer of the Irrigation Department took the orders from Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and intensified the restoration work of the reservoir and brought it back to its past glory. However the surroundings of the Mahavillachchiya reservoir is left to be desired. The remains of polythene, empty food parcels, glass and plastic bottles could be found on the bank of the reservoir. This has caused the environment pollution and above all a major threat to the water of the reservoir. Even though the concerned authorities have taken preventive measures that too had not been taken care of. One of the cautioning hoardings too was damaged. These reservoirs could be treated as a 'gift' from our ancient fore-fathers. Unfortunately at present our own people do not seem to be favourable towards the protection of these national assets. It is a must that more and more awareness programmes should be conducted through print media and the electronic media. Similarly strict action is required to bring the people to justice who violate the cautioning instructions. by Supun Perera
Created : June 24, 2007
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