Heritage

Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya at Weeraketiya (වීරකැටිය කසාගල රජමහා විහාරය)

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Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya
photograph by : Sandamal Dissanayake

Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya which belongs to the area of Angunakolapalessa Pradeshiya Sabha is situated about 9.6 km. away from Ranna junction of Weeraketiya – Ranna road. It is believed that the Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya go back as far as the time of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC), who planted one of the ‘Dethispala Bodhi Tree’, a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi at this temple.

Two medium-sized stupas can be seen at this temple. The one on the top of the rocky plateau was built by King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC) and the other stupa is believed to be the stupa built by King Saddhatissa (137-119 BC), brother of King Dutugemunu.

Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya had received royal patronage from many kings starting from the King Devanampiyatissa. King Kavanthissa (200-160 BC) built some buildings in this temple and according to ancient sources, these were renovated by King Dappula I (659 AD) and then again by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110).

King Dutugemunu is said to have used this area as an army camp and a place which had been built by later kings has been converted to the Image House and a gold Buddha statue was donated by King Kirthi Sri Rajashinge (1747 – 1781) of the Kandyan Kingdom. Even today you can see the frescoes and statues belonging to the Kandyan era.

Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya lies in an area covered with rocks and it is said that the monks dried their saffron-coloured robes on these slabs and these were seen as saffron-coloured rocks from far away. Thus the name ‘Kasagala’ was coined for the temple. However, according to a rock inscription dated to the 2nd century, this temple was called “Kawagala Pabbata” during that time.

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Map of Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Matara Town to Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Through : Tangalle
Distance : 53 km
Travel time : 1.30 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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Also See

Map of Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Travel Directions to Weeraketiya Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya

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