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Dethawa Sri Mahamuni Purana Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple featuring a Tampita Viharaya that dates back to the Kandyan period. The temple is located approximately 14 km from Giriulla and 5 km from Narammala. The route from Giriulla involves traveling 10.5 km towards Narammala and then turning onto Dangolla Road. After 1.7 km on Dangolla Road, turn left at Kajugas Handiya junction. The temple is situated 1.6 km further down this road. The Panavitiya Ambalama is only 500 meters away from the temple.
A Tampita Viharaya is a building constructed on a wooden platform supported by several stone pillars, usually 3-4 feet high. Its roof is supported by a timber structure, and the walls are typically made of wattle and daub. Inside, the chamber walls are often adorned with paintings, primarily in the Kandyan style.
The Tampita Viharaya at Dethawa is relatively large, constructed on 6 stone pillars that elevate the structure approximately 3 feet above the ground. Upon entering through the main door, one encounters a narrow circumambulatory path (pradakshina patha) leading to the door of the inner chamber.
The entrance to the inner chamber is a magnificent wooden door frame featuring a Sooryawanka design. A “Narilatha Wela” motif (a flowering creeper emerging from a female figure) intricately adorns both the door frame and the door itself.
Two Naga guardian deities, each with three cobra heads, stand guard beside the door, holding pots of plenty (punkalasa). Uniquely, the backdrop behind these statues is filled with paintings of birds and fruits.
The inner chamber’s focal point is a large Samadhi Buddha statue, complete with an ushnisha, positioned centrally. The wall behind the statue is painted with a vibrant aura surrounding the Buddha and depictions of two disciples, presumably Sariyuth and Mugalan Maha Theros, paying homage.
Two standing Buddha statues are painted on the side walls. Adjacent to these, on the left wall, is a painting of the deity Vishnu, considered a protector of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and on the right wall, likely a depiction of the deity Saman.
References
- Chandrasekara, D. P., & Silva, K. D. (2021). The Ṭämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image- Houses in Buddhist Architecture. Anthem Press.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Dethawa Sri Mahamuni Purana Tampita Viharaya
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Driving Directions to Dethawa Sri Mahamuni Purana Tampita Viharaya
| Route from Giriulla to Dethawa Sri Mahamuni Purana Tampita Viharaya |
| Though : Dambadeniya – Metiyagane distance : 14 km Travel time :20 mins Time to spend : 20-30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |
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