Hakuruwela Peellawela Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya (හකුරුවෙල පීල්ලවෙල ටැම්පිට රජමහා විහාරය)

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Peellawela Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple in Hakuruwela area in Weeraketiya, Hambantota district. Among the buildings of this temple is a Tampita Viharaya built during the Kandyan era. However the presence of Siri Pathul Gal (blocks of rock carved with foot print of Buddha)  which were objects of veneration in the 2-3 rd century BC, before the Buddha statues were used can be used to  safely assume that the history of this temple to be go back to at least 2-3rd century BC. 

A Tampita Viharaya is a structure built on a wooden platform which rests on number of stone stumps usually 3-4 feet tall. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub and the inner walls are generally covered with frescoes drawn mainly in Kandyan style.

In 2012, this temple was subject to a major attack by treasure hunters where the care taker was tied up and the stupa was dug, pinnacle completely destroyed and the ancient Buddha statues were broken in to pieces in search of treasures.

The tampita vihara, ancient rest house of the Bhikkus, the ancient heap of ruins with the Bodhi tree and dhamma discourse hall within the precincts of the Pillawela (Peellawela) Raja Maha Viharaya, situated within the Grama Niladhari Division of Gajanayakagama in Angunukola Pelassa Divisional Secretary Division, Hambantota District, Southern Province was declared as protected archaeological monuments in 6th July 2008.

References

  • Abeywardana, M.Y. (2008) “The Antiquities Ordinance (Chapter 188) ,” The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 1553, p. 522.

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Map of Hakuruwela Peellawela Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

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Traveling to Hakuruwela Peellawela Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Matara to Hakuruwela Peellawela Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Distance : 63 km
Travel time : 1.45 hours
Time to spend : 20- 30 mins
Driving directions : see on google map

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