Yodakandiya Naga Maha Viharaya (යෝධකන්ඩිය පුරාණ නාග මහා විහාරය)

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On the southeastern end of the Yoda Wewa in Tissamaharama lies an ancient temple site called Yodakandiya Naga Maha Viharaya.

The modern Tissamaharamaya was known as Mahagama in the ancient past and was the capital of Rohana. In the second half of the 3rd century BCE, Prince Mahanaga, the youger brother and heir of King Devanampiyathissa (250-210 BCE), left Anuradhapura for fear of his life and established his seat as ruler of Rohana in Mahagama (Nicholas, 1963).

The oldest Viharaya at Mahagama is Naga Maha Viharaya founded by the Regional King Mahanaga in the 3rd century BCE. It was restored, its stupa was enlarged and its area extended by King Ilanga (35 CE). An early inscription, of which the text is doubtful, records the grant of Golagama to Nakamahavihara (Nicholas, 1963).

The Department of Archaeology named the ancient pond and the ruins inside this temple as protected monuments in 1996.

References

  • C. W. Nicholas (1963). Historical Topography of Ancient and Medieval Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series Volume VI Special Number, p.60

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Map of Yodakandiya Ancient Naga Maha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Yodakandiya Ancient Naga Maha Viharaya

Route from Tissamaharama Town to  Yodakandiya Ancient Naga Maha Viharaya
Through :  Tissa – Kirinda Road
Distance : 4 km
Travel time : 10 minutes
Driving directions : see on Google map

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