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Hidden amidst the historic heartlands of Sri Lanka stands a stupa of immense cultural and historical value — a monument built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153–1186) to mark the very place where he was born. Unlike the grand, often-restored stupas of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, this memorial shrine has remained relatively untouched, preserving its ancient timeless mystery.
Making of a King
The story of this stupa begins long before Parakramabahu’s reign.
In 1070, Prince Vijayabahu I defeated the Chola invaders who ruled Polonnaruwa, restoring sovereignty to the island and uniting it under a single ruler. While he made Polonnaruwa his capital, he appointed his sister Mitta’s son, Prince Manabharana, as sub-king of Ruhuna.
Manabharana later married Princess Ratnavali, daughter of King Vijayabahu I. Their union linked two powerful royal bloodlines, and they made Dedigama (then known as Punkagama) the administrative center of the Maya region.
Despite their position, the couple faced one worry: they had no son to continue their line — only two daughters (some traditions suggest three). Manabharana, troubled by the lack of a male heir, sought divine intervention.
Legend says that during a temple visit, Manabharana dreamt of a deity who assured him that he would indeed father a son destined to become a great leader. Soon after, Queen Ratnavali gave birth to a boy at Dedigama — the child who would one day be crowned Parakramabahu the Great, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated kings.
The Stupa
To commemorate his sacred birthplace, King Parakramabahu built a stupa on this site, and excavations have revealed intriguing details about its unique construction. At the core of the monument lies a smaller stupa, measuring 36 feet in diameter, discovered near the eastern pesa walalu (basal rings). This inner structure is believed to have been erected directly over the very spot where the king was born. Surrounding it is a much larger stupa, built to magnify the sanctity of the site, with a diameter of 256 feet and a height of 47 feet. Its flat summit covers an expansive 26,000 square feet.
Unlike many other ancient stupas that have undergone renovations, this monument has been spared major reconstruction.
Relics and the Ingenious Elephant Lamp
Though it remains uncertain which relics were originally enshrined, excavations revealed a wealth of treasures inside its 10 relic chambers. The most remarkable of these discoveries is the Ingenious Elephant Lamp, a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship that testifies to the ingenuity of the era.
Also See
Map of Dedigama Kota Vehera
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Driving Directions to Dedigama Kota Vehera
Turn to the right at the Nelumdeniya junction at the 41st milepost on the Colombo-Kandy Road. The stupa can be reached by traveling about 2 1/2 kilometers on this road.
| Route from Colombo to Dedigama Kota Vehera | Route from Kandy to Dedigama Kota Vehera |
| Though : Colombo – Kandy Road distance : 75 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Though : Kandy – Colombo Road distance : 55 km Travel time : 1 hour Driving directions : see on google map |
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