Heritage

Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins at Tissamaharama (තිස්සමහාරාම අංජලිගල රජමහා විහාරය නටබුණ්)

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The two rock inscriptions and the ancient stupa of of Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya at Tissamaharama

Angaligala (also known as Anjaleehela, Anjalipawwa, or Anjaleepawwa) is an ancient Buddhist temple that once formed part of the Magama Kingdom. It lies nestled within the scenic and secluded village of Debarahela, surrounded by rocky plains and serene landscapes.

The temple complex—comprising both the ancient ruins and the modern shrine—spreads across a flat expanse of rock stretching north to south. To reach this historic site, travelers journey from Thanamalwila toward Weerawila, turning left at the Department of Archaeology marker approximately 18 kilometers from Thanamalwila. From there, a 4-kilometer drive along a rural road leads directly to the Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya, where centuries of spiritual and cultural history await discovery.

Ancient Ruins and Inscriptions

At the summit of the rocky plain, on its northern end, lie the ruins of a heavily weathered and partially collapsed stupa. Scattered around it are remnants of two ancient building structures and four inscriptions carved into the natural rock boulders. The structures themselves provide little evidence to accurately determine their date of construction.

However, palaeographic analysis of three of the inscriptions places them in the first century CE, while the fourth dates to the fourth century CE. One particularly significant inscription belongs to the reign of King Sirimeghavanna (Kithsiri Mevan), who ruled from 303 to 311 CE. It records that the inscription was created during a royal commemoration ceremony and details renovations made to the monastery situated in the northern quarter of Mahagama. The king is also said to have donated kahavanu (gold coins) for the temple’s maintenance. Unfortunately, the fragmentary state of the inscription restricts further interpretation.

Today, Anjaligala has been officially declared a protected archaeological site by the Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka, ensuring that what remains of this ancient sanctuary continues to be preserved for future generations.

The ancient stupa of of Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya at Tissamaharama

Ruins of Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya at Tissamaharama

Rock inscriptions of Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya at Tissamaharama

photo by the curtsey of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

References

Somadeva, R. (2006). Urban Origins in Southern Sri Lanka (Doctoral thesis in archaeology at Uppsala University). Studies in Global Archaeology, Uppsala.

Also See

Map of Tissamaharama Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

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Travel Directions to Tissamaharama Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

Route from Thanamalwila to Tissamaharama Anjaligala Rajamaha Viharaya Ruins

Through : Weerawila Road
Distance : 21 km
Travel time :30 minutes
Driving directions : see on google map

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