Ambalama from Panavitiya dating to 1700s or before

An ambalama (Sinhala: අම්බලම) is a place constructed for pilgrims, traders and travellers to rest in Sri Lanka. This is a simple structure designed to provide shelter for the travellers.[1] The last examples of anbalange remained until about the end of the 1970s. There were no charges involved in using an Ambalama.[2]

History

According to Anuradha Seneviratna and Benjamin Polk pilgrimage rest-houses like Ambalamas were well established before 230 BC as Mauryan kings issued orders carved on stones or iron columns for planting of avenues of trees and for building shelters for the comfort of pilgrims.[3] Ambalamas in Sri Lanka, many of them several centuries old, have been kept close to their youth by the continuous replacements of decaying parts and are among the oldest wood structures in Sri Lanka.[4] Prominent families of a locality donate and maintain a shelter, or they are put up by the villagers as a place to rest and meet.[5]

In literature

In Salalihini and Gira sandeshas, there are references to Ambalamas.[6]

Prominent Ambalamas

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ambalama: A Stopover On A Journey, Explore Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  2. ↑ "Ambalama, a symbol of our heritage (Sunday Observer)". Archived from the original on 6 June 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  3. ↑ Buddhist Monastic Architecture in Sri Lanka; The Woodland Shrines By Anuradha Seneviratna, Benjamin Polk - 1992, page 123
  4. ↑ Buddhist Monastic Architecture in Sri Lanka; The Woodland Shrines By Anuradha Seneviratna, Benjamin Polk - 1992, page 123
  5. ↑ Buddhist Monastic Architecture in Sri Lanka; The Woodland Shrines By Anuradha Seneviratna, Benjamin Polk - 1992, page 123
  6. ↑ "THE 'AMBALAMA' (The Island)".


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