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Photo by : Kadigamuwe Wimala Himi
The history of the Wakirigala Abeysundararama Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya (aka Wakirigala Rajamaha Viharaya – Wakirigala Tampita Viharaya) goes back to the time of Polonnaruwa kingdom. According to historical records, after an unsuccessful attempt to liberate Polonnaruwa from “Chola” Invaders in 1066 or about, Prince Vijayabahu was compelled to fortify himself at Vatagiri (Wakirigala in Kegalle District) for some time to regroup the armies. This viharaya gained prominence during the time of King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110) as a defence post after he finally managed to defeat the Chola invaders in Polonnaruwa and unify the country.
The Wakirigala Viharaya again came in to prominence in the 13th century as the temple where Ven. Buddhaputhra Thero, the author of Pujavaliya resided. Since he was also the author of several books on Ayurveda, this viharaya was also known for its contribution to the development of Ayurvedic literature.
It is said that this temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their religious crusades. It is believed that The closeby Wakirigala Ambalama has been built using remnants from other ancient temples, especially the ruins of ancient Wakirigala Rajamaha Viharaya. The ambalama has 2 entrances, one on the north and one on the east. The Northern Entrance of the ambalama is made out of a large granite door frame which is believed to be part of the ancient Wakirigala temple.
This temple has been called “Vatagiri Pabbata“, “Niyangampaya” and “Mayura Padapaya” since ancient times. The viharaya has received patronage from several kings during the Kandyan Kingdom. The Tampita Viharaya in the temple is 12 feet long and 10 feet wide. The flat clay tiles are used for the roof. Inside the temple, there is a 3-foot-high Buddha statue in samadhi posture and several standing Buddhist statues. The walls are richly decorated with paintings of the Sittara tradition of the Kandy period. At the top of the Wakirigala Rock ruins of ancient buildings believed to be belonging to the Polonnaruwa era can be found.
To reach the temple take the Aranayake road from Mawanella and travel 4.5 km up to Ussapitiya and take the Hettimulla road. Travel 150 meters on this road and take the narrow concrete road towards Asmadala and travel 5.5 km to reach this remote temple.
Rock plain with Tampita Shrine, Diggeya, Dagoba and Siripathula (Footprint) in the premises of Wakirigala Rajamaha Vihara situated in the Grama Niladhari Division Wakirigala in the Divisional Secretaries Division, Aranayaka in Kegalle District was declared as a protected archaeological site in August 2014.
References
- Abhayavardhana, E., 2002. Heritage Of Sabaragamuwa : major natural, cultural, and historic sites. [Ratnapura]: Sabaragamuwa Development Bank, in association with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
- Kariyawasam, A.V., (2014) “The Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188) ,” The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 1963, p. 15.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Wakirigala Abeysundararama Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya
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Traveling to Wakirigala Abeysundararama Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Ruwanwella to Wakirigala Abeysundararama Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Distance : 10.5 km Travel time : 30-40 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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