Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya is a virtual art gallery situated in isolation at the historic Sannas Kanda in Matale. Ambariya Viharaya referred to in the commentary to Dhajagga sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya is considered as the ancient name of this temple.
The origin of the vihara dates back to King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BCE) and the vihara had received royal patronage for a long time. This vihara is said to have been a resting place of Arahants during the Buddhist Council held at Aluviharaya.
Alu Viharaya, Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya, and Embille Viharaya are considered shrines of a contemporary period. The inscriptions found in these viharas support this claim.
The large cave serves as the image house which accommodates a reclining Buddha image measuring 8.31 metres (27 ft.), three standing images and a sitting image. Figures of deities Vishnu, Saman and Vibhishana are featured prominently. Several valuable murals can be seen
in the shrine room.
The painting of an elephant and a bull as one figure (Vrushaba Hasthi Kunjaraya) is a unique artistic creation. A close examination of the painting indicates the entwined figures of an elephant as well as that of a bull. Amongst the other paintings are the 24 Buddhas making the declaration about the aspirant Buddhas, the pageant of the Tooth Relic and floral designs of lotus, blue lilies and olu flowers.
The rock outside the vihara is referred to as ‘balumgala‘ as it has apparently served as an observation point. The ruins of an ancient stone cistern used for the preparation of medicine is found at this vihara.
There is also a belief that there was a secret tunnel behind this rock leading to Alu Viharaya. The wooden doorframe underneath the Makara Torana contains sculptures and figures of Makaras. On the side of the rock, there is a pre-Christian inscription ‘Petmagamaluwa Viharaya‘.
Close to the entrance of Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya accommodates an ancient Bo-tree said to be over 400 years old. A Brahmin by the name of Solanga who had stayed overnight had brought this Bo-tree and finding it difficult to move it from the original site allowed it to grow here.
The name of the village Hulangamuwa is linked with the Brahmin Solanga and the episode of the Bo-tree. The ancient preaching hall at the Vihara is also a monument supporting the antiquity of the place. The ‘Torana’ (archway) on the preaching hall is built similar to the one at Sanchi, India.
This vihara which suffered damage by treasure hunters is now protected under the Central Cultural Triangle Fund and Department of Archaeology.
There is also a stone trap displaying the talents of stone carvers. This trap is retained by a very small stone. The huge stone cannot be rolled by anyone except the creator.
References
- Abeyawardhana, H. A. P. (2004) Heritage of Kandurata: Major Natural, Cultural, and Historic Sites. Kandy: Kandurata Development Bank, in association with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Also See
Map of Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya
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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Driving Directions to Ambilla Raja Maha Viharaya
Route from Colombo to Ambilla Temple, Matale | Route from Kandy to Ambilla Temple, Matale |
Through : Kandy Distance : 150 km Travel time : 4-4.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Kandy Jaffna Road Distance : 24 km Travel time : 45 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |