Muwangala Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient aramic complex of the Digamadulla Kingdom which had been colonized since the 4th century BC. Digamadulla saw its golden era during the time of Prince Saddhatissa (brother of king Dutugemunu) during the latter part of Elara (205-161 BC), who invaded then capital, Anuradhapura and ruled this part of the country from Anuradhapura and the times of king Dutugemunu (161-131 BC) who united the country under one kingdom. Prince Saddhatissa ascended to the throne in 131 BC after the death of King Dutugemunu. Agriculture and Buddhist monasteries flourished under prince Saddhatissa during this era and thousands of sites with scattered ruins and hundreds of irrigation reservoirs stands today as the proof of its prosperity over 2000 years ago.
Muwangala Rajamaha Viharaya lies on two rocky outcrops between Ampara and Hingurana. A new stupa has been built on one of the rocks. 250 steps cut in to the rock during ancient times takes you to the new stupa. Ruins of an ancient stupa and a watadage (stupa house) can be seen at the top of the rock. All the ruins of this temple has been declared as a protected archaeological site by the Government with the Gazette issued on 26th December 2014, and describes the location as follows ;
“Rock with the drip ledged cave, rock inscriptions, ruins of buildings, plight of steps and other archeological evidences at the premises of Muwangala Rajamaha Vihara situated in Grama Niladhari Division No. W/27/13, Muwangala in the Divisional Secretary’s Division, Damana in Ampara District in Eastern Province. (Latitude 07º35´ 002´´ N and longitude 81º76´ 20.6´´ E).”
Also See
Map of Muwangala Rajamaha Viharaya Archaeological Site
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Travel Directions to Muwangala Rajamaha Viharaya Archaeological Site
Route from Ampara to Muwangala Rajamaha Viharaya |
Through : Galmaduwa Distance : 9 km Travel time :20 min Time to spend : 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |