Good evening to all my Hive friends!
Nestled within the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the Thuparamaya Temple stands not only as a historic stone structure but also as a profound symbol of spiritual resilience.
I recently visited this sacred site with the intention of capturing it in monochrome — a challenge that demanded more than photography alone. It called upon me to perceive the Dewamaligawa through its shadows, textures, and timeless grace.
This frame is my humble attempt to reflect the enduring serenity and reverence held within its ancient walls — an offering to the Monomad Challenge.
Built during the 3rd century BCE under the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, Thuparamaya is considered the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka following the arrival of Buddhism. It is believed to enshrine the sacred right collarbone relic of the Buddha, making it one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country.
In color, the Dewamaligawa (Sacred Temple) often radiates a serene purity under the gentle light of the setting sun. But in black and white, its ancient stones seem to whisper deeper, silent stories — narratives of faith, time, and the enduring spiritual presence that has shaped generations.
The moment I stepped onto the temple grounds, time seemed to slow. The stone pillars encircling the stupa—once part of a protective roof structure—stood like silent sentinels, guarding the sacred heart of the site. As morning rays filtered through the spaces between them, I allowed my lens to follow the dance between light and shadow, casting long silhouettes across the ancient stone path. It was in this quiet interplay that the spirit of the place gently revealed itself
Monochrome photography invites the viewer to shift focus away from distractions and toward form, contrast, and emotion. In black and white, Thuparamaya transforms from a religious site into a living testament of devotion and history.
For the Monomad Challenge, I chose this photographic journey not only to show what Thuparamaya is, but to express what it feels like.
The past still breathes here. Black and white is not a lack of color—it is a deeper lens through which one can experience the spiritual essence of Sri Lanka’s sacred heritage.
Thank you reading
Have A nice day.
Best Regards,
Samadi Madushanki .
