Daulagala Araththana Tampita Viharaya

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Located in central Daulagala, the Daulagala Arattana Tampita Viharaya rests on six 0.62-meter stone stumps over a gravel platform. Likely a private noble shrine renovated in 1815, this tile-roofed, open-framed Kandyan structure is tucked away off Arattana Road.

Daulagala Arattana Tampita Viharaya is a small shrine built on pillars, located in the centre of Daulagala town. It is situated close to Embekke Devalaya and Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya. This Tampita Viharaya is also known as Bogahakotuwa Tampita Viharaya or Minimarupitiya Tampita Viharaya (Abeyawardhana, 2004).

A Tampita Viharaya is a type of religious structure constructed on a wooden platform supported by several stone stumps, which are generally about 90–120 centimeters (3–4 feet) in height. The roof is supported by a timber framework, while the walls are typically constructed using wattle and daub. Such buildings were a popular form of religious architecture during the Kandyan period.

This Tampita Viharaya was established on the initiative of the villagers of Arattana. It was subsequently renovated in 1815 by a priest named Venerable Dumpola Thera, who was also responsible for planting a bo tree.

Architectural Features

The Tampita Viharaya at Daulagala is supported on six stone pillar stumps measuring 0.62 meters in height and stands on a platform approximately 0.75 meters (2½ feet) high, which is filled with gravel. The roof extends to the edge of the platform, and its weight is carried by six pillars rising from the platform’s perimeter.

One of the distinctive features of this structure is the absence of other temples in its immediate vicinity. Therefore, this Tampita Viharaya may have served as a private imagehouse belonging to a noble family of the Kandyan Kingdom, similar to the Lewke Tampita Viharaya and the Makehelwala Keppetipola Tampita Viharaya.

Access Route

Access to this small Tampita Viharaya is through a narrow and inconspicuous alleyway located between two shops along the Arattana Road, which begins near the Daulagala Ambalama. After travelling approximately 700 metres along this road, an Archaeology Department signboard can be seen. The alleyway opens onto a small plot of land cultivated with tea and black pepper. The path continues directly towards a small house, although the Tampita Viharaya itself remains hidden from view.

Just before reaching the house, a narrow footpath branches off to the right. Due to its infrequent use, this path is barely visible. By following it, the outline of the small building can eventually be seen through the surrounding trees.

Daulagala Tampita Viharaya hidden inside a black peper orchard.

The massive Bo tree behind the Daulagala Araththana Tampita Viharaya

Inside the Daulagala Araththana Tampita Viharaya

References

Abeyawardhana, H. A. P. (2004) Heritage of Kandurata: Major Natural, Cultural, and Historic Sites. Kandy: Kandurata Development Bank, in association with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

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