Eethanawatta Meddegoda Purana Tampita Viharaya – ඊතණවත්ත මැද්දේගොඩ පුරාණ ටැම්පිට විහාරය

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Amidst lush green paddy fields on the Wariyapola road between Narammala and Uhumeeya lies the ancient Tampita Viharaya of Eethanawatta Meddegoda Purana Viharaya (Ithanawatta Meddegoda Purana Tampita Viharaya).

A Tampita Viharaya is an architectural feature in structures made popular in the era of Kandyan kingdom. These buildings are built on A wooden platform which is built across stone pillar stumps. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub. Walls inside the chamber is more or less always covered in paintings drawn mainly in Kandyan style.

The Tampita Viharaya at the Eethanawatta Purana Viharaya is built upon 12 granite pillars. A narrow circumambulating path around the main chamber can be seen. The outer wall of the inner chamber is covered in paintings. Entrance to the chamber is through a finely decorated Makara Throrana (Dragon Arch).  The whole front wall including the dragon arch is covered with various clay molded figures.

This entrance leads to a massive wooden door frame which is not as much decorated. Inside the inner chamber lies a seated Buddha statue at the center. On the right stands a statue of daity Vishnu, the protector of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (as said by Mahavansa, the Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) and on the left, deity Saman. Next to these statues, along the sidewalls stands two standing statues of Buddha facing each other.

The walls are covered with various Buddhist paintings. Colour blue can be seen used quite freely by the painter. Fortunately these paintings as well as the statues remains in the original state even though they seems to be fading.

To reach the temple, from Narammala,  take the Kurunegala Road for 6km to reach the Kalugamuwa junction. Take the road to left from the junction. This road leads to Wariyapola via Bamunukotuwa. Travel 9km on this road to reach the right turn off to the Thamilipola Viharaya. Travel pass the Thamilipola Viharaya to reach the Eethanawatta  junction. Turn left and 200 meters down this road you will find the notice board (as in photo) directing you to the temple.

Also See

• Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Eethanawatta Meddegoda Purana Tampita Viharaya

Travel Directions to Eethanawatta Meddegoda Purana Tampita Viharaya