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Dankumbura Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya is consided one of the major buddhist temples in Mahiyangana area in ancient Ceylon. This ancient cave temple lies on the Bibile and Padiyathalawa close to Ekiriyakumbura.
The roots of the temple believed to be going as far as king Walagamba (89-77 BC) has been neglected by authorities and has been a target for treasure hunters number of times in the past. According to the chief prelate of the Dankumbura Rajamaha Viharaya, this temple has been deserted and covered in jungle for over 800 year before it was discovered and cleared up for worship about 250 years ago by a ‘Kos Keda Hevene’.
Rock pillars, guard stones and few balustrades can be seen scattered in the temple premises but the ancient cave temple is most important archaeological artifact in the temple. Inside there is a 27 foot ( 18 riyan) reclining Buddha statue and a massive bowl (Pattaraya) belonging to the ancient era. The image house has been vandalised by treasure hunters several times in the recent past and as a result the Buddha images show cracks in the structure.
photo and information by the curtsey of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
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Travel Directions to Dankumbura Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya
Route from Bibile to Dankumbura Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Through : Padiyathalawa Road Distance : 19 km Travel time :30 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
Map of Dankumbura Purana Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya
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