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Photo Credits : Ajith P. Perera
Rambukkana rajamaha Viharaya is a small temple on the Horana – Panadura road close to Bandaragama. The temple remained insignificant until late last century when a large slab inscription was unearthed during renovation in 1997. The inscription was badly damaged, but in 1998 Dr Raj Somadeva read some portions of the inscription.
The inscription mentions a “Sanyuktha Bhanaka Maha Chiththa” bhikku and another “Sanyuktha Bhanaka” bhikku residing in anther temple.
These were the learned Bhikkus of the day who memorized Dhamma before it was documented during the time of King Walagambahu. There were different groups (guru kulas) of such monks who memorized parts of Sutra Pitaka, ie. Dhiga Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Sanyuktha Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya and Khuddaka Nikaya. The two Bhanakas mentioned here seemed to have memorized Sanyuktha Nikaya. (Sanyuktha Bhanaka) One was named ‘Maha Chiththa’ and lived in a temple called ‘Maha Vihara’.
Photo Credits : Ajith P. Perera
This slab inscription has been placed in the period of 1st century BC – to 1 century AD making it probably the oldest slab inscription found in Western Province.
To reach the temple travel 9 km from Panadura towards Horana. The temple lies 600 meters before the Bandaragama Junction or 2 km before the Southern Expressway Genanigama Interchange.
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Map of Bandaragama Rambukkana Rajamaha Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Bandaragama Rambukkana Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Bandaragama Rambukkana Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Time to Spend : 30 minutes Distance :17 km Travel time : 1 hour Driving directions : see on google map |
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