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Bentota
6°25′N 80°00′E / 6.42°N 80.00°E
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo and 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 metres (9.8 ft) above the sea level.
Bentota has been identified as the ancient Bhimatirtha and the area is also described in ancient messenger poems (sandeśa kāvya). It is believed that the Galapatha Viharaya (which is referred to in chronicles Mahavamsa and Pujavaliya by the name Bhimatittha Viharaya in Pasyodun District) was maybe a cluster of five ancient temples in the region. The 13th-century rock inscription at Galapatha Viharaya also mentions the name Bhimatittha.
In the 17th century the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River (Bentara Ganga), which in Sinhala was called Parangi Kotuwa, meaning the fort of the Portuguese. The river marked the southern extremity of Portuguese-held territory in Sri Lanka. The Dutch subsequently allowed the fort to fall into disrepair, converting one of the large buildings within the fort into a colonial rest house for Dutch Officers travelling between Colombo and Galle. The British subsequently converted the rest house into a coastal sanatorium. Sir James Emerson Tennent (1804–1869), the colonial secretary of Ceylon (1845–1850) in his book, Ceylon, An Account of the Island (1859), stated that the rest house at Bentota was situated within a little park, deeply shaded by lofty Tamarind trees on the point of the beach where the river forms its junction with the sea. He wrote that stated that this rest house was one of the coolest and most agreeable in Ceylon. The British introduced the railway in the early 19th century, mainly to transport the coconut produce from the deep south to the capital, building a permanent bridge (Bentota Palama) to cross the river.
The Mythical Troll Rock of Bentota Beach: Handirangala – A Sleeping Giant in the Ocean
Nestled along the golden shores of Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, lies an enigmatic natural formation steeped in mystery and legend. Known locally as Handirangala, this unique rock formation has captivated locals and travelers alike with its striking resemblance to a sleeping giant. Rising above the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, Handirangala is more than just a geological wonder; it is a testament to the fusion of nature’s artistry and the rich folklore of Sri Lanka.
The Legend of Handirangala
According to local lore, Handirangala, or “The Troll Rock,” is the petrified remains of a mythical giant. The story recounts how this giant once roamed the island with unmatched strength and a deep connection to nature. However, driven by hubris or love for the ocean, he defied the gods and was cursed to eternal slumber. Over centuries, the waves and wind sculpted his body into the rocky outcrop visible today, where he rests as a silent guardian of the shore. Some say that during certain times of the day, when the sunlight hits the rock just right, the giant’s features—his forehead, nose, and chin—become unmistakably clear, evoking awe and wonder.
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Bentota
6°25′N 80°00′E / 6.42°N 80.00°E
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 65 kilometres (40 mi) south of Colombo and 56 kilometres (35 mi) north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 metres (9.8 ft) above the sea level.
Bentota has been identified as the ancient Bhimatirtha and the area is also described in ancient messenger poems (sandeśa kāvya). It is believed that the Galapatha Viharaya (which is referred to in chronicles Mahavamsa and Pujavaliya by the name Bhimatittha Viharaya in Pasyodun District) was maybe a cluster of five ancient temples in the region. The 13th-century rock inscription at Galapatha Viharaya also mentions the name Bhimatittha.
In the 17th century the Portuguese built a small fort at the mouth of the Bentota River (Bentara Ganga), which in Sinhala was called Parangi Kotuwa, meaning the fort of the Portuguese. The river marked the southern extremity of Portuguese-held territory in Sri Lanka. The Dutch subsequently allowed the fort to fall into disrepair, converting one of the large buildings within the fort into a colonial rest house for Dutch Officers travelling between Colombo and Galle. The British subsequently converted the rest house into a coastal sanatorium. Sir James Emerson Tennent (1804–1869), the colonial secretary of Ceylon (1845–1850) in his book, Ceylon, An Account of the Island (1859), stated that the rest house at Bentota was situated within a little park, deeply shaded by lofty Tamarind trees on the point of the beach where the river forms its junction with the sea. He wrote that stated that this rest house was one of the coolest and most agreeable in Ceylon. The British introduced the railway in the early 19th century, mainly to transport the coconut produce from the deep south to the capital, building a permanent bridge (Bentota Palama) to cross the river.
The Mythical Troll Rock of Bentota Beach: Handirangala – A Sleeping Giant in the Ocean
Nestled along the golden shores of Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka, lies an enigmatic natural formation steeped in mystery and legend. Known locally as Handirangala, this unique rock formation has captivated locals and travelers alike with its striking resemblance to a sleeping giant. Rising above the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean, Handirangala is more than just a geological wonder; it is a testament to the fusion of nature’s artistry and the rich folklore of Sri Lanka.
The Legend of Handirangala
According to local lore, Handirangala, or “The Troll Rock,” is the petrified remains of a mythical giant. The story recounts how this giant once roamed the island with unmatched strength and a deep connection to nature. However, driven by hubris or love for the ocean, he defied the gods and was cursed to eternal slumber. Over centuries, the waves and wind sculpted his body into the rocky outcrop visible today, where he rests as a silent guardian of the shore. Some say that during certain times of the day, when the sunlight hits the rock just right, the giant’s features—his forehead, nose, and chin—become unmistakably clear, evoking awe and wonder.
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