![Dethis Pala Bodhi of Godakawela Malwessa Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya](https://i0.wp.com/amazinglanka.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/malwessa-02.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
Between Ratnapura and Embilipitiya lies the quaint town of Godakawela. When approaching from Ratnapura, you’ll pass the Godakawela Police Station on your right. Just ahead, you’ll encounter Kirihami Mawatha, now referred to as Bibilegama Road. Follow this road for 1.23 km, then make a left turn at the four-way junction. Continue for 900 meters, and take another left. After 500 meters, you’ll arrive at your destination: Malwessa Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya.
At the farthest point, we find the site set up for the construction of the pagoda, and after about 10 meters, we find the image house building, after about 12 meters from the image house, you find the living quarters of the chief prelate of the temple. Passing the garden of the living quarters, you will find the steps leading to the ancient Bodhi tree which is considered one of the Detispala Bodhi of Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.
The Bodhi Tree is located about five feet above the ground level and is surrounded by 3 platforms. The top platform is 2 feet wide and is located 3 1/2 feet away from the tree. This is made of stone blocks. The walls of the second platform called Weli Maluwa, are also made using stone blocks with a width of one and a half feet and are covered with tiles. This platform is 6 feet wide and octagonal in shape. There are 4 small image houses built in the four directions. Cement stones and black stone slabs have been laid on the floor for the lowest platform. To the west of the Bodhi, there is an Image House, a flower altar, and a building, housing all the archaeological treasures found in the temple.
The Bodhi has four main branches. From ancient times, it is believed that the branch on the Northern side is the original Dethis Pala Bodhi as the annual falling of leaves on this branch is in sync with the Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura.
References
- Sumana himi (2018) මල්වැස්සා වෙහෙර දෙතිස්ඵල බෝධිය, Wikipedia. Available at: https://si.wikipedia.org/wiki/පරිශීලක:Sumana_himi (Accessed: 22 October 2023).
Also See
Map of Godakawela Malwessa Vehera Rajamaha 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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Travel Directions to Godakawela Malwessa Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya
Route from Ratnapura town to Godakawela Malwessa Vehera Rajamaha Viharaya |
Through : Pelmadulla – Madampe Distance : 42 km Travel Time : 1.15 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |
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