A Tale Of Sri Lanka Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

(dedicated to my poet friends from Sri Lanka at poemhunter)

the thousands massive dagobas
ornate pleasure gardens, exquisite sculpture
Buddhism’s gentle way, Indo-Aryan Sinhalese

river diversions, giant aqueducts
the miles long reservoirs channels
irrigation, hydraulics, water management

Tissa Wewa, Basawakkulama
Nuwara Wewa, Parakrama Samudhraya
Giritale, Minneriya, Kalawewa, Balaluwewa

Abayagiri Stupa
King Valagam Bahu
mountain of fearlessness

Jethavana Stupa
King Mahasen
largest stupa in Buddhist world

Ruwanveliseya Dagoba
King Dutugemunu
white dome shinning like a pearl

Thuparama Dagoba
King Devanampiyatissa
most ancient dagoba

Lovamahapaya
King Parakramabahu
1,600 pillars, in 40 rows

Kuttam Pokuna
the twin ponds
handsomest works

Bodhi tree
Theri Sangamitta
a national treasure

Cal Vihare
wonder, peace, serenity
colossal statues of Buddha

Nalanda Gedige
tantric carving of sensuous nature
amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist architecture

Vatadage, exquisite circular relic house
Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, floral stone pillars
Kiri Vehera, best preserved of unrestored dagobas

Aukana Buddha, a stunning sight
most magnificent undamaged Budha image
stands beneath a canopy and amidst jungle surroundings

Demala Maha Seya, a shrive of noval design
Alahana Pirivena, a mediaeval centre of learning for monks
Lankatilleke Viharaya, unique style of brick architect work

Arankale, the forest hermitage
Ridigama,2,000 years old cave temple
Padeniya Temple, charming mediaeval temple

Anuradhapura
the first capital
a hydraulic civilization

a solid, hemispherical dome express
simplicity quintessence of Buddhism
picturesque lakes with irresistible charm

an amazing knowledge of trigonometry
an agricultural surplus, profits from trade
a lavish scale of religious, and public buildings

Mihintale
The Craddle of Buddhism
The Mountain of Mahinda

dotted rock shrines and rock dwellings
a great monastic city, chants of devotees
the first historically documented sanctuary

Polonnaruwa
mediaeval capital
three concentric walls

Sigiriya
the rock fortress, a royal citadel
patroyal palace, frescoes, summit of rock

Dambulla, a vast isolated rock mass
the large sweep of colorful paintings
which depict the Buddhist mythology

a recumbent Buddha
carved out of the living rock
largest number of Buddha statues

Kurunegala, the capital of Sinhala kings
surrounded by looming rocky outcrops
an interesting transit place

Sri Lanka Matha
Nil Mahanel, Junglefowl
My most beloved Sri Lanka