Nedigamwila Wilpita Rajamaha Viharaya is located in Ambalanthota District Secretariat Division and can be reached traversing 8 km along the Tissamarama – Kadingama road. According to the chronicle Dhatuvamsa the frontal bone relic of the Buddha is enshrined in this Dagoba.
This is a site conserved by the Department of Archaeology and a large restored pagoda and many ruins of ancient buildings can be seen in the temple premises.
The ruins of the Dagoba had been restored in several stages. Ruins dating to the Anuradhapura period had been discovered and from the remnants of the Dagoba, its circumference could be estimated to be about 168 feet. The Dagoba is believed to have been built in the 3rd century BCE by regional king Mahanaga, brother of King Devanampiyatissa. In addition, remains of several ancient building structures can be seen on the ground of the present monastery premises.
This temple is believed to be built in the design of a Pabbatharama even though only the stupa has been restored. According to prof. Roland Silva, this is the only stupa discovered which has been built in the shape of an onion.
References
- Somadeva, R., 2006. URBAN ORIGINS IN SOUTHERN SRI LANKA. Doctoral Thesis in Archaeology. Uppsala University.
- Urugodawatte, B. (2022) ‘Church Missionary Society School of Kotte’, Archeo Sri Lanka – Newsletter of the Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka, 2(2), pp. 3–4.
Also See
Map of Hambanthota Nedigamwila Vilpita Rajamaha Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Hambanthota Nedigamwila Vilpita Rajamaha Viharaya
Route from Hambanthota to Nedigamwila Wilpita Rajamaha Viharaya |
Through : A2 Distance : 32km Travel time :45 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |