Kataragama Devalaya in Badulla – බදුල්ල කතරගම දේවාලය
Badulla is ancient subkingdom of Kandyan Kingdom and also one of the few places to be honored by visit of Gauthama Buddha. The begining of the Kataragama Devalaya at Badulla is unknown but has been flourishing during the 17th century. King Kumarasinhe is one of the legends of this kingdom who destroyed a large Portuguese army who invaded the Badulla under the leadership of Constantine de Saa. The final battle occurring at a paddy field called Randeniyawela was one of the first defeat of Portugues and not known as Battle of Randeniwela.
The Portuguese army under Constantine de Saa entered Badulla towards end of August (the exact day is uncertain) in 1630, is reported to have ransacked and touched the entire city, particularly the Badulla Kataragama Devalaya and had destroyed over 2000 measures of rice in the stalk’ and all the cattle he could find in the countryside.
The Kataragama Devale at Badulla was again re constructed again by King Rajasinghe II of Kandyan Kingdom (1635 – 1687) based on the Kanyan Traditions. The Devale roof is supported on elegantly carved timber columns with lotus bracket-capitals. The wood carvings of Sihasanaya Mandapaya building at the front of the Devale is as exquisite at carvings of Embekke Devalaya. This building is thought to have been the platfom from which the King ( Rajasinhe II) viewed the Devalaya Procession.
Also See
Map of Badulla Kataragama Devalaya
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Travel Directions to Badulla Kataragama Devalaya
Route from Anuradhapura to Badulla Kataragama Devalaya |
Through : Horana – Ratnapura – Haputale – Bandarawela Distance : 230km Travel time :5 hour Driving directions : see on google map |