This temple is located on the Kandy - Gampola road is said to be
built by a person called Maayim Bandara during the reign of
King Buvanekabahu IV (1341-1351)
of Gampola Kingdom. According to records this temple has been constructed
in the form of a Tampita Vihara ( temple built on a platform above ground)
and in 1930 it has been reconstructed as a modern temple.
Nothing of historical significance remains today in this
temple except a wooden doorframe called "Ranbewa".
This beautifully carved white sandlewood doorframe with floral vegetal
designs with friezes of dancers, musicians, images of couples and flying
Gansharvas is placed as the main entrance to the
Vishnu Devale ( Shrine for Deity Vishnu) of the temple. It is said
that this door frame was brought here from the Royal Palace of king "Buwanekabahu
IV. "
This doorframe can be regarded as the earliest example of wood carving
which has so far come to light in Sri Lanka.
In 2004, excavators of the Archaeological Department who were carring
out conservation work of a small stupa found 120 priceless bronze Buddha
statues in two bronze caskets and an ancient "makara thorana" from a small
dilapidated dagoba. After conservation, the chief prelate of the temple
gifted these to the National Museum at Colombo.
According to an old document at Maninarama at
Veligalla, a wooden door frame called "
Ranbewa" was sent as a gift from Kotte to
Gampola and it was deposited at a two storied building in
Aludeniya Viharaya.
To reach the temple travel along the Kandy-Gampola Road
untill you come to Veligalla. Turn right (if you
are comming from Kandy side) and travel about a mile to
reach the Aludeniya
Primary Source : "Kandy"
By Central Cultural Fund
