Heritage

Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya (නවාගල රජමහා විහාරය)

54 years ago2 months ago05 mins

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Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya lies on the borders of the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom in Eppawala at Katiyawa village. The massive stupa of this temple is said to have been built by Queen Viharamaha Devi and a queen of King Dutugemunu (161-131 BC).

An inscription found in the vicinity has been translated by Prof Senarath Paranawithana which reads “Queen Kathiya, wife of King Gamini Abhaya who is favoured by the gods, built this temple and donated to Milanchtissa Thero”

This stupa was seen as a massive mound of rocks covered in weed until recently when the archaeology department began restoration work. This stupa is said to be the largest stupa discovered on the outskirts of Anuradhapura kingdom with a circumference of 275 feet at the bottom. The existing ruins stand up to 60 feet in height.

The excavation and restoration work on this stupa was started in March 2013 and the growth of the bushes on the stupa has been now removed exposing the majestic stupa for the first time. They have also discovered that this stupa has been enlarged in various stages and they have been able to locate the original stupa buried inside the mound of bricks.

Unfortunately, this stupa has already been vandalized by treasure hunters digging deep tunnels in search of treasures buried inside. Even though extensive damage has been done to the inner relic chambers, the archaeologists have been able to recover a significant quantity of invaluable artefacts from the 19 relic chambers discovered inside the stupa.

Relics discovered in Nawagala
image : www.lakbima.lk

The discovery includes seven granite caskets, two glass caskets, five clay caskets, ten marble caskets and two gold/copper caskets. It is said that such a haul of artefacts has been only found in Ruwanweli Seya.

During the excavations, they were able to find some rare paintings which are believed to be in the early Anuradhapura era. The archaeological department authorities are drawing plans in regard to the preservation of these rare paintings that were found. It is reported that these ancient rare paintings in the early Anuradhapura era would be preserved in such a manner that the general public could view them.

The stupa also shows the same advanced features of stupas in Anuradhapura town which is considered rare outside the primary area. Therefore it is assumed that a similar effort has gone into building this stupa as in Ruwanweli Seya even though this lies on the outskirts of the capital.

Nawagala Stupa before the restorations began — Nawagala Stupa before and and during restoration

Nawagala Stupa after the restorations began — Nawagala Stupa before and and during restoration

Also See

Map of Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Though : Negombo – Chilaw – Anamaduwa
Distance : 195 km
Travel time : 4 hours
Driving directions : see on google map

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Also See

Map of Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Travel Directions to Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya

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