Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya (තුල්හිරිය මංගෙදර ටැම්පිට විහාරය)

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Mangedara Tampita Viharaya at Thulhiriya

A tiny Tampita Viharaya hidden way in Thulhiriya unappreciated by even the villagers. Tampita Vihara was a popular architectural feature of temples during the Kandyan era. The temple is built on top of granite stumps with a wooden platform laid across the stumps.

The Tampita Viharaya is comparatively small and stands on a wooden platform built on 9 granite pillars. Two steps made of rock bring you to the wooden platform. Two guardian deities carrying a pot of plenty (punkalasa) and a sword in the other hand are painted on the wall beside the main entrance.

Inside the structure lies a single seated Buddha statue in the Samadhi position. The statue is complete with a ushnisha at the top. The wall behind the statue is painted with a colourful aura around the statue and two disciples (probably Sariyuth and Mugalan maha Theros) worshipping Buddha.

Two standing Buddha statues are painted on the two side walls and next to them are paintings of the deity Vishnu who is believed to be the protector of Buddhism is Sri Lanka on the left wall and probably the deity Saman on the right wall. Mangedara Tampita Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological site on 22 November 2002.

Unfortunately, this tampita viharaya is not appreciated or known by the villagers around the temple. On a recent visit to this temple, I walked into the temple and inquired about the Tampita Viharaya from some upasaka who had observed sil. None of them knew about the Tampita Viharaya or any structure which had been conserved by the Department of Archaeology. Finally, I re-phrased the question and asked if there was an image of houses built on pillar stumps. Only then did they unanimously say yes there is such an image house and showed me the direction.

The temple can be reached from Ambepussa – Kurunegala road or Ambepussa – Kandy road.

Inside the Mangedara Tampita Viharaya at Thulhiriya

Mangedara Tampita Viharaya at ThulhiriyaMangedara Tampita Viharaya at Thulhiriya

Paintings on the wooden roof of Mangedara Tampita Viharaya at Thulhiriya

Paintings inside the walls of Mangedara Tampita Viharaya at Thulhiriya

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Map of Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya

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Traveling to Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya

Route from Ambepussa Junction to Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya

Distance : 3.5 m
Travel time : 10 mins
Time to spend : 30 mins
Driving directions : see on Google map

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Also See

Map of Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya

Traveling to Thulhiriya Mangedara Tampita Viharaya

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