Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya in Warakagoda – කළුතර වරකාගොඩ පුරාණ ගණේඋඩ රජමහා විහාරය

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Ganeuda Purana Viharaya lies in the Warakagoda area which is believed to be an ancient sub kingdom built by Vijaya Epa (1399-1415).  But according to a pamphlet issued by the temple,  history of this temple and its ruins goes as far as the Polonnaruwa kingdom. The temple itself is not significant but the ruins on the temple grounds are believed to be of the palace complex and a temple of tooth of the Warakagoda Kingdom of Pasyodun Rata, the ancient  name of Kalutara.

According the the Great Chronical Mahasamsa, prince Manabharana has fought king Jayabahu (1110-1111) of Polonnaruwa kindom and on his defeat has retreated to Pasyodun (Pas-Yodun) Koralaya where Manabharana had hidden in a fortress built by him. Some believe the ruins at the temple is part of this fortress built by him while some believe he hid in the caves of Warakagoda Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya few kilometers away from this temple.

Passing the new buildings of the temple,  you will reach two ancient  buildings conserved by the department of archaeology. The building identified as the palace is small and consist of 8 granite pillars and a foundation. The pillars and the pillar heads are carved with simple designs. There are indication of a Wahalkada and ruins of granite steps to this building.  Unfortunately the bottom part the staircase now lies on a private property. A slab inscription close the entrance which existed till recently has been stolen. One of the granite steps is carved with the words “Sri Sangabo Sri” with a royal emblem.

At a higher elevation to this building lies what is now believed to be the Dalada Mandiraya (Temple of Tooth). This structure consist of 16 granite pillars. On one side is an polished granite slab which could have been a flower alter.

In addition,  broken Korawak Gal (balustrades), moonstones and flat clay tiles can be found scattered around these ruins.

To reach the temple travel to Warakagoda from Kalutara ( approx 24km) and from the Warakagoda junction take the Sirigunarathana Road towards the Geekiyanakanda Estate. The temple lies 600 meters down this road.

Also See

Map of Warakagoda Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

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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 Warakagoda Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Warakagoda Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Kalutara to Warakagoda Ganeuda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Through : Southern Expressway – Genaligama – Horana – Anguruwathota
Distance : 62 km
Travel time : 1.5 hours
Driving directions : see on google map
Through : Neboda
Distance : 24 km
Travel time : 30 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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