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Atupothdeniya Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple hidden away just 62 km from Colombo close to Giriulla belonging to the Gampaha District. According to the folklore this temple has been in existence since the period of king Walagamba (89-77 BC). The Ola leaves which has been used in documenting the Tripitaka in Pali at Matale Alu Viharaya during the reign of king Walagamba is said to have been supplied by this temple. Abundance of Talipot Palm Trees in the area provide strength to this folklore.
It is also said that this temple once severed as a library of Buddhist Manuscripts during the Baminitiya Famine during the reign of king Walagamba (89-77 BC). Thus the name Pothgul in its name.
Another belief is that this temple was built by a regional ruler known as Rate Rala during the reign of king Parakramabahu II (1244 -1279) of Dambadeniya Kingdom.
One of the unique features a visitor could observe today at this temple is the ancient Tampita Vihara Ge. Tampita Vihara were a popular architectural feature of temples during the Kandyan era.
This Tampita Vihara Ge is built on a wooden platform built on 21 granite pillars of about 2 feet in height. A corridor with a plain balustrade is built around this image house as in most other Tampita Vihara. The walls and the balustrade is build with wattle and daub. The image house is about 35×13 feet in size. The corridor is about 2.5 feet in width. This structure has been dated to the 18th century.
The temple can be reached through Minuwangoda – Divulapitiya from either the Airport Highway or through Negombo Road.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Atupothdeniya Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya
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Traveling Directions to Atupothdeniya Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Atupothdeniya Pothgul Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Distance :72 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map |