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Ranagala Rajamaha Viharaya (also written as Renagala Rajamaha Viharaya) is a temple situated on a popular ancient crossroad connecting Siriwardhanapura, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Kandy. Lying on a rocky outcrop known as Viharagala, surrounded by paddy fields offering a fantastic view, the temple you see today is a modern one except for a few remnants of the ancient past.
At the bottom of the rock and about 500 meters before the entrance to the temple is an ancient Bo tree and an Ancient Ambalama protected by the Archaeological Department. Near the tree on the rock, there is a mark of a Rena (line) and thus it is thought that the name Rangala was derived from this. The popular belief is that the Bo Tree was planted during the reign of King Devanmpiyatissa (250-210 BC) of the Anuradhapura kingdom and is one of the Bo trees he planted at every mile (Gawwa) on popular roads after the arrival of Mihindu Thero. The ancient Ranagala Ambalama is another proof that this was one of the popular routes in ancient times.
At the top of the rock is a mysterious deep well carved into the rock. The top has a diameter of about 5 feet and the bottom about 9 feet. The inner surface of the rock well has been well-smoothened. The well is about 19 feet deep. It is not known why or by whom this well was dug but it is said that Brahmi inscriptions have been seen on the inner wall of the well. According to popular legends, this is a treasure well and the treasures of Kuveni or Ravana are said to be buried inside this well.
Today there are 206 steps carved into the rock to reach the temple. These steps have been carved recently and there are 2 ancient access paths to the top of the rock which are not being used today. One has been carved out of the rock and the other is made with granite blocks.
The current Stupa has been built on top of the remains of the ancient stupa and it is said that the treasure hunters have made several attempts to dig into this stupa but have been foiled.
According to a small booklet on the temple, a Tampita Viharaya has been in existence at the top of the rock until about 200 years ago. There is no sign of this viharaya today but the rock surface carries some proof that an ancient granite building has existed on this rock at some time.
Also See
Map of Ranagala Rajamaha Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Ranagala Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Ranagala Rajamaha Viharaya | Route from Kurunegala to Ranagala Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Though : Katunayake – Giriulla – Dambadeniya Distance :93 km Travel time : 2,5 hours. Driving directions : see on google map | Though : Pothuhera – Wadakada Distance :20 km Travel time : 40 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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