Abstract:
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, is one of the most sacred religious sites among
both domestic and foreign devotees. Domestic pilgrim groups and devotees
annually worship this sacred place in their thousands. Located closely to
Colombo City, most of the foreign tourists visit the Kelaniya Temple as a
major attraction during their tour. This situation has created a more emphasis
on tourism aspect rather than on devotion.
Most of the foreigners visit Kelaniya Temple, as they are guided at this site
and they do not possess a sound knowledge about the religious or historical
value of the site. Kelaniya Temple has been highlighted since ancient times
with the third arrival of the Buddha to the island. The legend regarding the
Princess Viharamaha Devi and her sacrifice to save the island from the natural
oceanic hazard adds to historical value while Kelaniya paintings are another
significant attraction that enhances the aesthetic and cultural value of the site.
In all aspects, cultural, religious, historical and aesthetic, Kelaniya Temple has
more potential to attract both devotees and tourists.
The major objective of this study was to identify the religious perception
of foreign tourists regarding this site. Concerning knowledge on religious,
historical, and cultural value woven around the Kelaniya Temple, 50 foreigners
were interviewed with a structured questionnaire on their ideas on religious
perception of the site. Tourist guides also were interviewed regarding their
explanations of the religious value of the site. Both quantitative and qualitative
research methods were used in the analysis of primary and secondary data.
The study found that most of the visitors were not fully aware of the Kelaniya
Temple before their arrival at the site and even the explanations and information
they received from the guides are not adequate to build an overall image
regarding the site. The religious information given to the foreigners should be
improved as this is one of the most sacred and reputed Buddhist religious sites
in the world.
