SWAMI VIVEKANANDA IN SRI LANKA: NEW FINDINGS (Jun )
By SHYAMALI CHOWDHURY
Summary
Dr. Shyamali Chowdhury conducted research on Swami Vivekananda’s visits to Sri Lanka in February 2019, tracing his footprints across key locations. Vivekananda visited Colombo three times: in 1893 en route to the World’s Parliament of Religions, in 1897 upon returning from the West, and in 1899 during his second Western tour. During his first visit, he explored the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a significant Buddhist site. His second visit included a jubilant reception, a stay at 96 Barnes Place (later named Vivekananda Lodge), lectures on "Punyabhumi Bharat" and Advaita Vedanta, and visits to the Sri Ponnambalavaneshwarar Kovil and Thambyah Chatiram, where a shrine now commemorates his stay. Discrepancies exist regarding his accommodation at Thambyah Chatiram, with some sources confirming his stay while others suggest he returned to Barnes Place. His third visit involved meetings with admirers, including Sister Nivedita, and visits to Mrs. Higgins’ boarding school and the Countess of Canovara’s monastery. The research also noted the current status of these sites, including demolished buildings, modern replacements, and preserved landmarks like the golden statue at Ponnambalavaneshwarar Kovil. Locations such as the Jaffna Hindu College, where Vivekananda addressed large crowds, and Anuradhapuram’s sacred Bo tree were also revisited, highlighting his interactions with local communities and spiritual sites. The study provided insights into Vivekananda’s enduring legacy in Sri Lanka, despite changes over time.
Conclusion
This research underscores Swami Vivekananda's profound impact on Sri Lanka through his three visits, revealing enduring spiritual and cultural connections. Key outcomes include the identification of historical sites like Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and Barnes Place, now transformed or lost, and the discovery of a shrine at Thambyah Chatiram commemorating his disciples. The findings highlight the evolution of these landmarks, such as the replacement of colonial-era buildings and the modernization of railway stations, contrasting past and present. The study also emphasizes the lasting reverence for Vivekananda, evident in statues, plaques, and institutional records, despite discrepancies in historical documentation. These insights enrich the understanding of his global influence and the Ramakrishna Movement's roots in Sri Lanka, offering a foundation for further exploration of his legacy.