Diyavinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya (දියවින්න දේවගිරි රජමහා විහාරය)

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Diyavinna, formerly known as Diyainna, is a village in Sri Lanka’s Ratnapura District, lying in the backdrop of waterfalls and mountain ranges. While it is best known for the Diyavini Ella Waterfall, the nearby Diyavinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya is a temple with origins dating back to the pre-Christian era.

Although the temple appears modern due to recent construction, ancient cave inscriptions within confirm its existence since the 2nd century BCE. As per historical accounts, the temple was established under the patronage of sub-king Yatala Tissa, who governed the Ruhuna sub-kingdom during that period.

Colins (1932) records 3 cave inscriptions associated with this temple.

Inscription 1 :

The first inscription, located within the Vihara Cave, is composed of four lines enclosed within a frame. It appears to primarily list Sinhalese and Tamil names, possibly those of pilgrims. Based on its script, which exhibits characteristics of a later period, the inscription is estimated to date between the 6th and 8th centuries. The lettering style also shows a transition toward a more modern form.

Illegible.
ANADANA TAVA (*).
(A) BHARANA NAI(DE).
DAHA-LAMIHE MALL ANA.

Inscription 2 :

A single-line inscription in Early Brahmi script, dating between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, is found under the roof tile of the cave, though the name of the cave donor is entirely erased.

Translterartion : [1] .. .. .. .. .. .. ha leṇe agata-anagata catu-diśa-śagaśa
Translation : The cave of . . . . . . [is given] to the Saṅgha of the four quarters, present and absent.

Inscription 3 :

The inscription is located higher up on the slope of the hill within a cave known as Piyangiri-oya Galge. This cave is notably large and impressive, measuring 128 feet in length, 28 feet in width, and approximately 50 feet in height, with its entrance facing southwest. It features two drip ledges, with the upper ledge positioned at a height of 38 feet and the lower at 28 feet.

The inscription itself is carved in a single long line on the back wall of the cave, about 9 feet above the ground. Written in Early Brahmi script, it is estimated to date back to a period between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE.

Translterartion : Parumaka-Utaraguta-putana parumaka-Culaha bata-Kaśabaha
Translation : Of the sons of the chief Uttaragutta—of the chief Cula, of lord Kassapa.

References

Collins, C. H. (1932). THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE SABARAGAMUWA BINTENNA. The Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland, 32(85), 158–184.
Gnanawimala Thero, K. (1942). සපරගමුවේ පැරණි ලියවිලි. Ginalankara Press.
Paranavitana, S. (1970). Inscriptions of Ceylon : Volume I Containing Cave Inscriptions From 3rd Century B.C. To 1st Century A.C. and Other Inscriptions in the Early Brahmi Script: Vol. I. Department of Archaeology Ceylon.

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Route from Balangoda to Diyavinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya	Route from Kaltota to Diyavinna Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya
Distance : 25 km Travel time : 45 minutes Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Budugala Viharaya Distance : 17 km Travel time : 35 mins Driving directions : see on google map

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