Nil Mahanel Flower

This, the "Nil Mahanel," botanical name "Nympheae Stelleta," has been the national flower of Sri Lanka from 1986. This flower mentioned in many Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit literary works, occupies a pre-eminent position in Buddhist literature. Legend also, has it that the 'Nil Mahanel Flower' is among the many ceremonial designs found on the footprint of Prince Siddhartha, giving it a special significance among the many devotees of Lord Buddha. This flower in the hands of the exotic ladies immortalized in Sigiriya Frescoes, enhance their ethereal beauty, and poets have always likened women's eyes to the unopened Nil Mahanel flower. The Nil Mahanel plant grows in shallow, warm waters, and is found in all parts of the country. It is specially plentiful in the northern dry zone and as a


result, this flower is a favorite among the Buddhist devotees as an offering at the many temples and "dagobas" in and around the ruined cities in that area. The flower which is purplish blue in color has a heavy concentration of petals in the center. The Nil Mahanel flower is also considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline.



polonnaruwa -Galwiharaya



On the Southern side of the Parakrama Samudra (Polonnaruwa) is a striking stone statue of a bearded man holding in his hands what seems to be book (written on palm leaves). The care-worn expression hints at royalty and popular belief identifies it as a statue of Parakramabahu the Great.


On the Southern side of the Parakrama Samudra (Polonnaruwa) is a striking stone statue of a bearded man holding in his hands what seems to be book (written on palm leaves). The care-worn expression hints at royalty and popular belief identifies it as a statue of Parakramabahu the Great.



Eligphant

Bath time is especially treasured by all elephants, young and old alike. And for humans it is a very good time to closely observe their tightly knit family structure. The young elephants are protected, and cared for, by the older ones in the group and the leader of the group is respected by all.