Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya

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Discover Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient cave temple in Yatinuwara dating to the reign of King Kithsiri Mevan. Set beside a cascading stream, it features drip-ledged caves, mural paintings from the Vessantara Jatakaya, and finely carved Suryawanka and Chandrawanka doorways.

Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient cave temple situated in Yatinuwara, at the foot of a hill along the path leading to Gannoruwa. It stands on a level stretch of land bordered by a paddy field, from which it is separated by a stream. At this point, the stream breaks from its gentle flow into a small waterfall, adding a special charm to the temple.

Because of this constant flow of water, the temple is constantly accompanied by the sound of running water. This natural feature has given rise to the descriptive name of the site, meaning “the hollow where water plays.” The origins of the temple are believed to date back to the reign of King Kithsiri Mevan (303–311 CE) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom (Egodawita, 2011).

Architectural Features

The temple has been constructed beneath a natural rock cave, which has been extended by a verandah roofed with timber and supported directly by the rock face. Immediately above the roofline, a drip-ledge known as Katarama has been cut into the rock to divert rainwater away from the cave interior. The cave itself has been divided into four separate chambers.

The First Chamber

The largest of the four chambers houses a reclining clay image of the Buddha measuring approximately 5.5 meters (12 carpenter’s cubits). The entrance to this chamber features a stone doorway with a double-arched Suryawanka design. Massive stone columns flanking the doorway, as well as the lintel above, are intricately carved with a continuous creeper motif. Painted figures of guardian deities, known as doratupala, appear on either side of the doorway. Both the interior and exterior walls are adorned with painted scenes depicting episodes from the Vessantara Jatakaya.

The Second Chamber

The second chamber is considerably smaller. Its entrance is fitted with a carved wooden door displaying a single-arched Chandrawanka design. Inside stands a seated Buddha image approximately 0.9 metres (3 feet) in height, positioned beneath a makara torana.

The Third Chamber

The third chamber contains three seated Buddha statues, each approximately 0.9 metres (3 feet) high. The central figure is sheltered beneath a cobra canopy.

The Fourth Chamber

The fourth chamber similarly houses three seated Buddha images of roughly the same height as those in the third chamber. The central statue is placed beneath a makara torana. The ceiling is decorated in a patchwork style resembling a quilt. This chamber also features a double-arched Suryawanka design, though its stone doorframe is less ornate than that of the first chamber. The outer door of the Vihara is wooden and fashioned in a triple-arched form. A small dagoba stands outside the structure.

Access

The temple is located off Danture, in the direction of Sooriyagoda. From the Danture junction, proceed along Dodamwala Road for 1.7 kilometers (approximately 1.06 miles) until reaching a small bridge over a stream. Immediately after crossing the bridge, a narrow concrete road branches off to the left along the same stream, marked by a signboard indicating the direction to the temple. Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya is situated about 100 meters (approximately 328 feet) along this road.

Stone Doorway of Diyakelinawala Kithsiri Mewan Rajamaha Viharaya

References

Lewis, J.P. (1921) “Kandyan Notes,” The Ceylon Antiquary Literary Register Volume VII 1921-1922, VII(Part II), pp. 108-109.
Egodawita, L.S. (2011) “යටිනුවර දියකෙළිනාවල විහාරයේ පිළිසකර කටයුතු අතරමඟ,” Dinamina, 26 May.

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