Silvathgala Rajamaha Viharaya is a typical village temple in Bambarakatupotha on the Galewela – Kalawewa Road close to the Devahuwa Reservoir. Silvathgala, so named due to being the adobe of an unordained monk in the ancient past is a small rocky outcrop on the edges of Devahuwa Reservoir. According to legend, this temple was first built by King Dutugemunu ( 161-131 BC) and rebuilt by King Vattagamini Abaya better known as King Walagamba (89-77 BC). The stupa believed to have been built by King Dutugemunu is renovated to an extent that no indication of the antiquity can be seen.
The old image house seems to belong to the Kandyen era. The murals and other paintings depicting several Jathaka stories are discolored while some are peeling due to neglect. Although the Department of Archaeology has declared this shrine along with the Discourse Hall, flight of steps hewn on the natural rock, pillar foundation and the entrance to the drip-ledged rock cave as a protected monument, no attention has given to these murals so far.
The ancient Buddha shrine, Chaitya, Discourse Hall, flight of steps hewn on the natural rock, Pillar foundation, entrance to the drip-ledged rock cave in the premises.
Also See
Map of Silvathgala Rajamaha Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Silvathgala Rajamaha Viharaya
Route from Galewela to Silvathgala Rajamaha Viharaya |
Through : Damunumulla Time to Spend : 30 mins Distance :4.5 km Travel time : 10 min. Driving directions : see on Google map |