Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery
Located close to the Uttara Mula this is considered the main refectory of the Abayagiri Monastery. This is a square building with 42.7m on one side. Four stages of construction from early as 1st centaury BC has been found during the excavation of the site.
A : Courtyard
B: Kitchen
C: Stores
D : Dinning Area
E: Underground water Supply
F : Sun Dial
G : Rice Canoes
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The famous Chinese traveler monk Fa-Hien who visited the monastery in the 5th centuary has stated that the monastery was house to 5000 monks at that time. All the meals of these monks would have been prepared and served at this location.
The 'Bath Oruwa' or the Rice Canoe carved out of stone which served the rice to the monks is 19 meters long. It is estimated that this canoe would hold over 5000 rice plates. Another smaller stone canoe beside this would have probably been used to serve the curries.
On the courtyard between the Rice Canoe and a center dinning area, a sun dial has been discovered. This has been removed and a replica made out of cement has been kept in place. The original has been preserved at the Abayagiri Museum.
Map
Photos
Court Yard |
Rice Canoe |
2nd Stone Canoe |
Rice Canoe |
Entrance to the Dinning Area from the Courtyard |
Replica of the Sun Dial |
Created : March 9, 2008
Updated :
January 3, 2009
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