Nagadeepa Island

Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya, commonly known as Nagadeepa Kovil, is a revered Buddhist temple located on Nainativu Island, off the coast of Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the country, believed to have been visited by Lord Buddha himself during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka. According to Buddhist tradition, Lord Buddha visited Nagadeepa in the 6th century BCE to resolve a dispute between two Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, who were engaged in a bitter conflict over a gem-studded throne. Lord Buddha intervened and preached a sermon on reconciliation and non-violence, which led to the resolution of the conflict and the establishment of peace between the two kings. Nagadeepa Kovil is home to several ancient structures and religious monuments, including a stupa believed to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa of Sri Lanka to commemorate Lord Buddha's visit. The temple complex also includes a Bo tree (Bodhi tree) believed to be a sapling of the original Bodhi tree in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

Devotees and pilgrims visit Nagadeepa Kovil throughout the year to pay homage to Lord Buddha and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. The temple is particularly crowded during religious festivals and full moon days, when devotees gather to participate in religious rituals, offer prayers, and make merit. In addition to its religious significance, Nagadeepa Kovil is also a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors with its historical and cultural heritage, as well as its scenic location on Nainativu Island. The temple's tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful retreat for meditation and contemplation.