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Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

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අළුත් හල්මිල්ලෑව ශෛලබිම්බාරාම රජමහා විහාරය පුරාවිද්‍යා නටබුන් - Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins — අළුත් හල්මිල්ලෑව ශෛලබිම්බාරාම රජමහා විහාරය පුරාණ පිළිමගෙය නටබුන්

Padaviya is described as a highly prosperous region even before one thousand five hundred years. The area’s development was closely linked to the Padaviya Reservoir, one of the largest in Sri Lanka. Historically, this reservoir was known as “Padiwapi.” During ancient times, the reservoir was located in the northern part of the Padirata region. In a 10th-century inscription found with the Ruins of Moragoda nearby, it can be seen that the area around this reservoir was called Padinnarukuliya.

According to the Pujavaliya, the Padaviya Reservoir was constructed by King Saddhatissa between 137 and 119 BCE. However, Henry Parker suggests that the reservoir was built in the late 3rd century, specifically during the reign of King Mahasena, who ruled between 276 and 303 CE. One reason for this belief is the argument that Sri Lanka’s irrigation technology during the pre-Christian era was not advanced enough to construct such a large reservoir. Brohier also leans toward this hypothesis. However, Dr. Paranavitana believes that this reservoir is the Danavapi mentioned in the Culavamsa, constructed by King Moggallana II (535-555 CE) in the 6th century. Unfortunately, no definitive inscriptions about the reservoir’s origins have been found in the area. The plaques near the lake and ruins mention that these were made during the reign of King Mahasen.

The Aluth Halmillawa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Vihara is located approximately 5 kilometres northeast of the Padaviya Reservoir. Today, it is a somewhat modernized temple, but it is evident that it was constructed on the site of an ancient monastery. Nearby, the ruins of an ancient image house can be seen. The stone pillars of the building still stand, and at the entrance to the image house, there is an undecorated moonstone. Inside, there is a seated Buddha statue made of stone, approximately 7 feet tall, which has significantly deteriorated over time. Additionally, the lower part of a Bodhisattva or deity statue can be found next to another stone pillar. There is also a stupa mound visible, which now looks like a hill covered with vegetation. Unfortunately, none of the archaeological artefacts at this site have been properly preserved.

Additionally, various stone ruins can be seen scattered throughout the temple grounds. Even along the paths within the new temple, fragments of ancient stone pillars are embedded. These fragments likely originate from the remnants of other nearby structures.

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Map of Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

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Travelling Directions to Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

From Anuradhapura to Aluth Halmillaya Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Vihara

Via : Medavachchiya – Kabithigolleva – Padaviya
Total Distance : 93 KM
Time : 2 Hours
Time To Drive : Between 15-30 Minutes
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Also See

Map of Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

Travelling Directions to Aluth Halmillewa Shailabimbarama Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

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