Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya - Kuruwita

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Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya safely hidden the Sacred Tooth Relic from the Portuguese for over 40 years inside a millet-grinding stone. Meanwhile, dummy ivory replicas were seized and destroyed. In 1592, the genuine relic was handed over to King Wimaladharmasuriya I for enshrinement in Kandy.

Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya holds a prominent place in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage, as it is traditionally believed to have safeguarded the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha from the Portuguese for more than 40 years. The ancient kurahan gala (millet-grinding stone), in which the sacred relic was reportedly concealed for protection, can still be seen at the temple today.

In 1557, King Dharmapala of Kotte converted to Catholicism, a decision associated with his efforts to secure his throne amid growing Portuguese influence. Under his rule, the Portuguese gained considerable control over the Kingdom of Kotte. Recognising the danger this posed to the Sacred Tooth Relic, Hiripitiye Divana Rala, the Diyawadana Nilame responsible for its custody, reportedly crossed the Diyawanna Oya and transported the relic from Kotte to the court of King Mayadunne of Sitawaka, in the vicinity of present-day Avissawella, for safekeeping.

Safe House for the Sacred Tooth Relic

Fearing an imminent Portuguese invasion, the king arranged for the Sacred Tooth Relic to be concealed at Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya. Sensing the danger surrounding the sacred relic, the incumbent monk of the temple reportedly had artificial replicas made from ivory. One replica was placed where the original relic had been kept, while another was given to Vidiye Bandara. Meanwhile, the genuine Sacred Tooth Relic was secretly concealed inside a grinding stone (Kurahan Gala).

Pulverising of Ivory Replicas of the Sacred Relic by the Portuguese

By this time, the Portuguese had reportedly destroyed the original Dalada Maligawa, or Shrine of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in the Kingdom of Kotte and built a Catholic church on its site. They subsequently invaded Sitawaka and seized an artificial replica of the relic, believing it to be the genuine one. The replica was then sent to Goa for destruction.

However, the Portuguese later learned that the relic they had seized was a duplicate and that the original was believed to be in the possession of Vidiye Bandara, the son-in-law of King Mayadunne. In 1561, Vidiye Bandara was captured on the orders of the Archbishop of Goa. After obtaining the artificial relic from him, the archbishop reportedly placed it in a mortar, ground it into powder, burnt the powder in a brazier, and cast the resulting ashes into a river.

In 1592, Konappu Bandara ascended the throne of Kandy under the regnal name of King Wimaladharmasuriya I. At that time, the incumbent monk of Delgamuwa Viharaya handed over the genuine Sacred Tooth Relic to the king, who subsequently enshrined it in Kandy.

How to Get There

The Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya can be reached via two routes. When travelling along the Colombo–Ratnapura main road, the first route branches off near Kuruwita Central College, directly opposite the Kuruwita Post Office. The second route follows Sri Saddhathissa Mawatha and leads to the temple, which is located approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) from Higgashena.

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Driving Directions to Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Panadura to Delgamuwa Rajamaha Viharaya
Through : Awissawella distance : 80 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Horana – Gorakella distance : 67 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on google map

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