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Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage
Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya is situated on rocky outcrop near the mouth of the Walawe River in Godawaya which is a small fishing hamlet located between Ambalantota and Hamantota. The temple believed to have been built by Regional king Gotabaya (King Kavanthissa’s father) in the 2nd century BC. Godawaya is a ancient shipping port active as far as 2nd centaury BC. The temple is
also believed to be have been used as the administrative centre of this port. An inscription found in the vicinity of the temple records that a later king decreed that the taxes from the Port of Godavaya be dedicated to the temple.
Sri lankan and German archeologists have been excavating this monastery complex and on the west side of the monastery an elevated ancient image house and a chapter house have been excavated. Three different statues were discovered here: A standing Buddha about 3.50 meters tall and two Bodhisattva statues each about 1.80 meters in height. These statues even have traces of the original color.
Historians have been especially interested in the Customs Building, located on the east side of the ancient monastery, which was decorated with ornaments showing an elephant placing his trunk in lotus flowers. Clay seals bearing the the emblem of a lion were used to seal goods and cargo as proof that the customs duty was paid.
Also See
Map of Godawaya Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya
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Traveling Directions to Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya at Godawaya
| Route from Colombo to Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya at Godawaya | Route from Hambantota to Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Viharaya at Godawaya |
| Via : Southern Expressway distance : 220 km Travel time : 3.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Distance :16 km Travel time : 20 mins Driving directions : see on google map |