Hathagala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple in the Southern province lying between Hungama and Nonagama along the Matara – Hambantota road. Today this temple is also a pirivena providing education to Buddhist monks.
Much of history of this temple is lost in time, but the temple has received royal patronage of king Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781) of Kandyan kingdom. The Tampita Viharaya in the temple has been built by Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe and a large bronze statue of Buddha gifted by the king is still in possession of the temple.
A Tampita Viharaya is a structure built on a wooden platform which rests on number of stone stumps usually 3-4 feet tall. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and the walls are generally made of wattle and daub and the inner walls are generally covered with frescoes drawn mainly in Kandyan style.
To reach the temple, travel 1.5 km from Hungama junction towards Hambantota to reach Deniya junction. Take the left turn and travel 350 meters to reach 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 Hathagala Purana Tampita Viharaya
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Traveling to Hathagala Purana Tampita Viharaya
Route from Matara to Hathagala Purana Tampita Viharaya |
Distance : 59 km Travel time : 1.5 hours Time to spend : 20- 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |