Lewke was an aristocratic family who were entrusted with a number of royal positions during the Kandyan kingdom. According to some legends, the bloodline of Lewkes originated from the Bahamas who came to the island during the 11th century during the reign of King Vijayabahu I. The area where the Lewke Walawwa lies (Wakirigala) was used by Prince Vijayabahu as a temporary defence base when he lost his first battle against the “Chola” Invaders around 1066. According to other legends, the origins of Lewke lineage go back to the Dambadeniya Era.
Lewke Walawwa no longer belongs to the original Lewke descendants and today it’s occupied by an old gentleman. The original wallawa no longer exists and is replaced by a newer house which is also dilapidated. A door frame which is believed to belong to the original Lewke Walawwa can still be seen on the new house. The land of Lewke Walawwa has shrunk to a little over 2 acres from over 350 acres. But the Tampita Viharaya built by the second Lewke Dissawe has been restored by the archaeological department lying above the house.
The Pilima Ge on the Tampita Viharaya is 12 feet 8 inches in length and 8 feet in width. The front area is 16 feet in length and 13 feet in length. 14 wooden pillars with carvings can be seen on this structure. These carvings include the mythical Herunda Pakshiya bird and the swan.
To reach this Tampita Viharaya take the Aranayake road from Mawanella and travel 4.5 km up to Ussapitiya and take the Hettimulla road. Travel 3.75 kilometers on this road and reach Pattagama passing the Sudugala Bodhiya. On the route to the Danthirigala Rajamaha Viharaya, take the road adjoining the Pattagama School and travel past the paddy fields to reach the land of the Walawwa.
The approximate location based on the described route is marked below on Google Maps. For directions, it’s advised to talk to the villagers on the route.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Lewke Tampita Viharaya
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Traveling to Lewke Tampita Viharaya
Route from Ruwanwella to Lewke Tampita Viharaya |
Distance : 8.5 km Travel time : 20 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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