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Thanthirimale (also spelled as Tantirimale) is an old village in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 40 km north west of the Anuradhapura city. The village is known for the ancient Buddhist temple ''Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara'', situated in a nearby rock covered area. The temple and the junction appears to be most important centre in the village. This temple, which was built in the third century BC has a historical value. When the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was brought from India to Sri Lanka, one night along the way to Anuradhapura, the pot containing the sapling was kept at Thanthirimale. It is believed that there was one branch separately grew from the pot, was planted at that village to remember the incident. Hence, some believe that this may be the first Sri Maha Bhodi plant in Sri Lanka. The Bo Tree is placed on top of large stony layer which may protect the tree up to now. This place was unidentified till the beginning of the 19th century, and in the 1960s the temple was reestablished by Buddhist monks. The temple and surrounding area are full of ruins, including two stone statues and several stone ponds. There is an archaeological museum at Thanthirimale. ==Origin of the village== This area has been called ‘Thivanka Bamunu Gama’ during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa. When Prince Vijaya arrived Thambapanni (ancient Sri Lanka), he had advised his followers to establish settlements in different areas. According to his advices one minister called ‘Upathisssa’ has established settlement in this area. Thus, this area was once called Upathissa Gama/ Upathissa Grama. According to folklore, Saliya, son of the king Dutugemunu, who was expelled from the royal family for the reason of marrying Ashokamala, a girl from a lower caste, lived in Thanthirimale for years. Eventually, young couple was forgiven and restored to the king's good graces. Then, the king had given them a golden necklace having a shape of a butterfly known as Thanthiri. It is believed the name Thanthirimale was derived in relation to that. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Thanthirimale」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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