Tampita Vihara Heritage of Sri Lanka – ශ්රී ලංකාවේ පුරාණ ටැම්පිට විහාර
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Kanugala Sri Pushparama Tampita Viharaya
Tampita Viharaya (Temple on Pillars, Devapita Viharaya, Devamatha Viharaya) is a distinctly unique type of image house found in some Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Although there are some proof older structures these buildings were a popular aspect of many Buddhist temples during the 17th-19th centuries. There are more than two hundred Tempita Viharayas have been identified in Sri Lanka to date. Most of the shrines are found in North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western provinces.
A Tampita Viharaya is 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. A seated Buddha statue is build at the center and more statues of standing Buddhas, deities lie beside the main statue. These are made of clay, timber or limestone. The inner walls are completely painted in frescoes using sceneries from Jataka stories or Buddhas life.
Although such structures were built as Buddhist image houses, later the same structures has been built and Devales to worship various deities.
The basic structure of the Tampita Viharaya has also evolved in to various forms over time with tampita viharaya being built on a very high pillars with a ground floor being used as a Banamaduwa or Dig-Ge being connected to the viharaya.
After an extensive search, 227 Tampita Viharaya’s have been listed below, most of them with exact locations. Out of the full list, there are 8 site which are in total ruins leaving only the granite stumps which they stood upon. The Tampita Vihara structure remains intact in some form in all other sites. Out the list 7 are Tampita Devala, mostly dedicated Pattini deity, all others are Buddhist temples.
The largest number of Tampita Vihara are found in Kurunegala District which is 68 temples (out of which 1 is a devalaya). This is closely followed by Kegalle District with 58 temples (out of which 3 are devala). Although this architectural feature belongs to the Kandyan era, there are only 18 Tampita Viharaya’s in Kandy district.
This remote tampita viharaya is still in its original condition. However the paintings are fading and only on one guardian deities at the entrance exists today.
The Department of Archaeology had declared the drip-ledged caves, old Stupa and Tampita Vihara (on stone piles) buildings as protected monuments in 2011
013
Sujatharama Viharaya, Puhulewewa
No
North Central
Anuradhapura
The Tampita Viharaya and the ancient stone pathway wall in Horowpothana Divisional Secretary Division has been declared as protected monuments in 2011
A Tampita Viharaya been built on 9 granite stumps with wooden steps at the entrance. The roof is tiled with with flat clay times, a common architectural feature of buildings of Kandyan Era. A small mandapa has been built in front of the building and connected at the roof.
One of the most popular seat of learning of the ancient Kotte Kingdom. Establishment of the temple is attributed to king Vijayabahu IV (1270-1272) of Dambadeniya kingdom. Only the pillars remain today.
This Tampita Viharaya is unique in two ways. This structure is built on large pillars built out of a mixture of Kabok and granite rocks instead of granite or wooden pillars. Mahalloluwa is also the only Tampita Viharaya where a reclining Buddha statue can be found.
This is considered one of the best preserved and maintained Tampita Viharaya in the Gampaha District. The structure is built on 16 granite stumps. A circumambulating path is built around the inner chamber with a wooden handrail.
This Tampita Viharaya is built on nine granite stumps of about 3 feet in height. The structure is 8 feet 6 inches long and 6 feet 8 inches wide. A 1 feet 6 inch wide circumambulating path goes around the inner chamber.
028
Samanabedda Rajamaha Viharaya, Hanwella
Yes
Western
Gampaha
The Tampita Viharaya has been completely demolished in a renovation carried out in 1920. GPS location 6.914988, 80.073936
Tampita Vihara structure of this Devalaya has been declared as an protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 22 November 2002. No further information available.
This Tampita Viharaya is built on 25 granite stumps of about 3 feet in height. The roof is tiled with Sinhala Ulu. The structure is 19'x15'3" in size. A 3'10" high short wall is built around the structure.
This Tampita Viharaya is built on 30 granite stumps of 4 feet in height. The viharaya is 20 feet long and 16 feet wide. There is a 2 feet 6 inch wide circumambulating path built around the chamber.
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 two storied Tampita Vihara. The ground floor is used as the "Bana Maduwa" or a preaching hall.Musicians and dancers are sculptured on the four pillars at the centre of the hall.
A two storied Tampita Viharaya. Ground floor is a preaching hall. The Tampita Viharaya is built on 9 tall rock pillars. A wooden flight of steps on one side of the preaching hall takes you to upper floor.
A Tampita Viharaya built around 1830-1840 hidden away in Thumpane. This is built on 25 granite pillars with a front porch and a Mandapa in front.
042
Gampola Kadiresan Kovil
not known
Central
Kandy
Located in Gampola town. The Tampita structure of the Kovil was declared as a protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 9th September 2011
The tampita viharaya is built on a rock plain on top of 13 rock pillar stumps of about 3 feet in height. The door frame is decorated withe various wood carvings. At the top you will find a painting of "Panch Nari Getaya" (a design of five interlocked women) at the center with creeper designs. Painting of "Narilatha Flower" with female face at the center.
045
Malagammana Rajamaha viharaya
yes
Central
Kandy
The Tampita Viharaya at this temple was destroyed by the British forces in 1818. What you see today is the new temple built thereafter. GPS location 7.325055, 80.584784
This temple has been built during the reign of king Wimaladarmasuriya (1592 – 1604) for a priest called Buddhagammana thero. The Tampita Viharaya of the temple has been built by one of his students, Attadassi Thero.
Located in Muruddeniya in Hatharaliyadda. This structure was declared as a protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 22 November 2002.
050
Sivurupitiya Bodhirukkarama Viharaya
no
Central
Kandy
This Tampita Viharaya lies in Sivurupitiya in the Hatharaliyedda Divisional Secretary's Division. Was named as a protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 8 July 2005.
This temple is believed to be built in the 14th century during the Gampola Kingdom era. Some statues have been stolen by treasure hunters. The building retains its original from. This temple has no resident monk.
One of the largest Tampita Vihara in Kandy district. The image house is 17 feet 7 inches long and 11 feet 9 inches wide. A 2 feet 5 inch circumambulating path is built around the image house. The front porch is 7 feet long. The whole Tampita Structure is 29 feet 3 inches long and 18 feet 3 inches wide.
This Tampita Viharaya is built on 20 granite stumps of 2 feet 9 inches high. The viharaya is 14 feet 6 inches long and 9 feet wide. A 2 feet 6 inch circumambulating path is built around the image house with a timber railing.
Unfortunately the granite stumps of this Tampita Viharaya cannot be seen today since they have been buried in concrete, probably a attempt to keep the Tampita Viharaya intact after falling to despair.
062
Atthanagoda Tampita Viharaya, Mawanella
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
Declared as a protected archaeological site in 28 January 1977. Temple is located at GPS 7.235381, 80.401045
The Tampita Viharaya at this temple is built on 20 granite stumps of about 2½ feet tall. There is a open circumambulating path is built around the image house with no railing or protection. There is a Mandapa built in front of the temple. Both roofs are tiled with calicut tiles.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 15 granite stumps of about 2 feet tall. The wooden platform is built on large timber beams measuring 7 inches in height and 11 inches wide laid across the granite stumps.
The Tampita Viharaya at Gondiwala is built on six granite stumps of about 8 feet tall. The wooden platform is built on large timber beams laid across the granite stumps. The chamber of the Tampita Viharaya is 10 feet long.
071
Hathgampola Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya - Aranayake
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
According to Kegalu Korala Pawatha (2006) by M.D.M.S. Yatawara, this Tampita viharaya belonging to the Kandyan era is fallen and is in a extreme dilapidated state. GPS location 7.175450, 80.437027
The Tampita Viharaya structure at Hingula is 20 feet long and 17 feet wide. The image chamber is 12 feet 6 inches long and 9 feet 6 inches wide. The whole structure is built on thirteen 6 feet high granite pillars.
The Performance Report Department of Archaeology for 2010 describes spending Rs 279,000 for conservation work of the Kandegedara Tampita Viharaya. No further information on the temple available.
076
Kappagoda Brahmawardana Paya Rajamaha Viharaya
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
Ruins of a Tampita viharaya and large number of Granite artifacts are found on the temple. GPS location 7.23709044201, 80.4403955121
Lies in Ussapitiya, 5 kilometers off Mawanella. The last conservation of the this Tampita Viharaya and the pillar base was carried out in 2010.
078
Kehelwaththa Sri Sumanarama Tampita Viharaya
approx. area
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
Kehelwatta lies 5km down Gevilipitiya road which starts from Hettimulla. According to Kegalu Korala Pawatha (2006), this two storied Tampita viharaya has been built similar to Dodanthale Viharaya. The temple lies in Wathura, Dodanthale. Possible location https://goo.gl/maps/e7TKUGRCazNEMxtq9
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 8 granite stumps rising 2 feet 8 inches above ground level. The image house is 9 feet long and 6 feet 6 inches wide.
080
Keraminiya Purana Viharaya
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
A Tampita viharaya belonging to the latter part of the Kandyan Era. Original paintings and statues are still intact according to Kegalu Korala Pawatha. GPS location 7.242103, 80.447362
The image house on the Tampita Viharaya is 9 feet 7 inches long and 7 feet 6 inches wide. There is a circumambulating path around the image house protected by a wooden balustrade.
Lies in between Kegalle and Mawanella, just 2 kilometers off the Kandy road. The Tampita Viharaya has been destroyed during s renovation and the statues are now kept separately.
The Tampita Viharaya at Lewangama is tiny compared to other such structures and is placed at the center of Bana Madua making it part of this structure.
This Tampita Viharaya is built on 21 granite pillars rising 7 feet from the ground. The image house is 20 feet 8 inches logng and 17 feet 10 inches wide. There is a 2 feet 6 inch wide circumambulating path going around the image house but the protective railing is missing.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 8 granite stumps rising 1 feet 10 inches off the ground level. The viharaya 11 feet long, 8 feet wide and about 7 feet in height.
088
Maliyadda Sri Sudarshanarama Purana Tampita Viharaya
no
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
lies off Mawanella on the Hemmathagama road. According to Kegalu Korala Pawatha (2006) the stucture is in good condition with images and paintings intact. Possible Location unknown. Video on the Tampita viharaya is here - https://youtu.be/o54CkukUZhk?t=28s
The structure is built on 2 feet 10 inch high 10 granite pillars. The image house is 16 feet 10 inches long and 10 feet 10 inches wide. Whole structure has been completely rebuilt in the 1960's.
Mangedara is a small Tampita Viharaya built during the Kandyan era which still maintains its original charm. The temple lies few kilometers from Ambepussa junction and is accessible from either Kurunegala road or Kandy road.
091
Mannagoda Tempita Viharaya, Mawanella
no
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
located in the Mawanella Divisional Secretary's Division. Was declared as a protected archaeological monument in 2nd November 1958.
The Tampita Viharaya at this temple is built on a natural rock plain. A 2 feet high platform has been constructed on the rock and 16 granite stumps with 1 foot 8 inches height have been placed on the platform to build the temple.
The Tampita Viharaya at this temple is is comparatively small and is built on a 4 feet high platform and 8 granite stumps with 1 foot height placed on the platform.
This Tampita Viharaya has been built around 1886. This is built on 6 granite pillars of 3 feet 3 inches tall. The image house is 10 feet 6 inches long and 7 feet 9 inches wide.
The Tampita Viharaya is attributed to king Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe’s period (1747 – 1781) and retains the sculptures and paintings of the Kandyan period.
The Tampita Viharaya has been modernized and reconstructed thus losing all its ancient murals. The granite pillars on which the image house stood have been removed in the new building.
115
Udugama Sri Sunethrarama Purana Viharaya
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
declared as a protected archaeological monument in 1 November 1996. According to Kegalu Korala Pawatha (2006), this Tampita viharaya belong to the era of Rajasinghe II. The paintings and the statues are well preserved.
116
Udumulla Heenatipana Isipathanaramaya
no
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
This temple is listed in the "Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara" book by Kusumsiri Wijayawardhana. According the Kegalu Korala Pawatha this is in ruins and one standing buddha statue exists in the temple.
A tampita viharaya in good condition. Recently restored by Archaeology department.
119
Wathura Rajamaha Viharaya
yes
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
According to Kegalu Korala Pawatha (2006) only the pillar stumps remain of this Tampita viharaya. A Kandyan era seated Buddha statue is kept in a separate small image house. GPS location 7.189328, 80.375349
120
Yatagama Sri Sunethrarama Purana Tampita Viharaya, Udadama
approx. area
Sabaragamuwa
Kegalle
Yatagama lies 4km off Rambukkana on the Rambukkana - Walgama Road. A video of the temple is at https://youtu.be/yBecAk4huCk . No further information is available.
The Tampita Viharaya at the Inguruwaththa Purana Viharaya is built on 2 feet 4 inches high 8 granite stumps during the era of king Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781).
The Tampita Viharaya has been built during the era of king Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747 – 1781) with 3 floors.
126
Bathalagoda Wewa Ruins
approx. area
North Western
Kurunegala
Dagaboa mound and the remains belonging to Tempita viharaya situated above the boundary of Bathalagoda Wewa in Bamunumulla in the Panduwasnuwara DS division.
127
Bibiladeniya Sri Maliyadeva Maha Pirivena Purana Tampita Viharaya
yes
North Western
Kurunegala
The tampita viharaya has been destroyed and does not exist today.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 9 stone pillar stumps, 2 feet tall. The image house on the Tampita Viharaya is 13 feet in length and 9 feet 8 inches wide.
The history of the temple dates back to about 3rd Century BC.The Tampita Viharaya at Bingiriya is the largest in the country. The whole structure is 34 feet long and 24 feet wide. The temple is built on 24 granite pillars 6 feet high.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 16 granite pillar stumps erected on a raised platform filled with gravel. A narrow circumambulating path is built around the image house with a wider space at the front.
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.
142
Galayaya Sri Sudharamarama Purana Tampita Viharaya
yes
North Western
Kurunegala
The Tampita Viharaya belonging to the Galayaya Sri Sudharamarama Purana Viharaya lies in Ihala Galayaya Grama Niladhari division, Pannala Divisional Secretary’s division. Was declared as a protected archaeological monument on 24 July 2009. - https://goo.gl/maps/jQMiQW3GReq2Gyxb6
143
Galayaya Sri Sumanarama Purana Tampita Viharaya
no
North Western
Kurunegala
Listed in the 'Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara' by Kusumsiri Wijayawardhana. No further information available.
144
Galgamuwa Tampitagoda Purana Tampita Viharaya
no
North Western
Kurunegala
Lies in Galgamuwa South Grama Niladhari Division in Alawwa DS Division. Gazetted as a protected monument in November 17, 2006 and again in 23rd February 2007.
The Tampita Viharaya at Gammana Bodhirukkarama Purana Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 7th December 2001.
146
Gammatha Sri Bodhirukkharama Puana Tampita Viharaya
no
North Western
Kurunegala
Lies in Polgahawela area. Was declared as a protected archaeological monument on 07th December 2001.
A small tampita viharaya on 6 pillars built during the Kandyan era and was declared as an protected archaeological monument by the gazette issued on 24th July 2009.
The Tampita Viharaya at Indulgoda Sri Pushparamaya Rajamaha Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological monument on the gazette dated 7th December 2001.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on rather tall granite pillars, about 5 feet high. Both inner and the outer walls of the image house are covered with murals.
This Tampita Viharaya was declared as an Protected Archaeological Site by the government by the gazette dated 24th July 2009. No further information is available.
156
Kalavana Sri Sugatharama Purana Tampita Viharaya
no
North Western
Kurunegala
Declared as an protected monument in December 07, 2001. - gazette notification - The ancient Tampita Vihara situated within the premises of Sri Sugatharama Vihara in the village of Kalavana of the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Polgahawela of Kurunegala District in the North Western Province
Kalundawa is the village that king Parakramabahu II spent his childhood in hiding. The Tampita Viharaya seems have been renovated losing its antiquity.
he Tampita Viharaya is built on a wooden platform on six large granite stumps.
160
Katiyawa Purana Tampita Viharaya
yes
North Western
Kurunegala
Performance report of the archaeology department for 2011 notes spending Rs 107,758/- for completion of the conservation of Katiyawa Tampita Viharaya. Possible temple Sri Punyawardhanaramaya, GPS 7.624829, 80.549196
The Tampita Viharaya at Gammana Bodhirukkarama Purana Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological monument by the gazette dated 22nd November 2002
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 8 granite stumps laid in 2 rows. The entrance to the image house is plain and lacks statues or paintings. The outer wall too lacks any murals.
The Tampita Viharaya is built upon 11 granite stumps of varying heights to balance the unevenness of the rock plateau. The structure is 23 feet 8 inches long and 18 feet 6 inches wide.
The Tampita Viharaya is built upon 16 granite stumps. The exquisite wood carvings on pillars and the roof is one of the important feature of this structure.
Built on 20 massive granite pillars about 4 feet tall and the walls are painted on a layer of clay. Unfortunately it doesn’t have the original paintings of Kandyan era, murals in the structure seems to have been recently retouched by an amateur painter losing both its originality and beauty.
The Tampita Viharaya is comparatively small. A narrow circumambulating path with no protective rail surrounds the image house. The entrance and the outer wall of the image house is painted orange and its unclear if there were any murals on the walls.
A Tampita Viharaya (temple built on pillars). Unfortunately this temple has been renovated in 1910 destroying all its antiquity.
176
Nagabodhi Dravarama Tampita Viharaya
no
North Western
Kurunegala
This temple is listed in the "Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara" book by Kusumsiri Wijayawardhana. The temple lies 8 kms on the the Makandura - Kuliyapitiya Road.
177
Nakkawatta Purana Tampita Viharaya
possible location
North Western
Kurunegala
Lies in Kuliyapitiya east. Was declared as a protected archaeological monument on 19th May 1967. Possible location https://goo.gl/maps/KG5ktHoJZmJ6ehs79
Lies about 13 km off Kuliyapitiya. Listed in the book “Sri Lankawe Tampita Vihara” By Kusumsiri Vijayawardana. This Tampita Viharaya has collapsed and does not exist today.
The Tampita Viharaya is built on 20 granite pillar stumps and is comparatively large. The structure is completely covered with a plastered wall from floor to the roof.
was protected as an archaeological monument by the Gazette published on 27 July 2001. Link points to Usgala Swarnabimbarama Viharaya which might be the same.
This Tampita Viharaya is a two storied building which has been restored by the department archaeology. Unfortunately the tam (pillars) are not visible on this restored building which seems to have been filled with earth and covered.
The Tampita Viharaya at Uyanegama Sri Nagabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya was declared as a protected archaeological monument on the gazette dated 24th July 2009.
probably built in the 16th century, the original building has been renovated destroying its original pillar structure but still maintains its original form within the image house.
Located in Mananwatta in Aluthgama, Matale. GPS location is 7.683387, 80.597623. Only source of infromation this temple being a Tampita Viharaya is ; historicasrilanka.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-post_25.html
The Tampita Viharaya is built on short granite stumps as the center part of a larger building. A narrow circumambulating path with no protective rail surrounds the image house.
Unfortunately this Tampita Viharaya has been completely rebuilt and has lost its architectural and archaeological value.
201
Narangolla Purana Tampita Viharaya
possible location
Central
Matale
The temple can be reached through Gammaduwa road reachable through Kalthota, Matale. Protected archaeological site - "The Tampita vihara of the Narangolla ancient vihara premises in the Grama Niladhari Division of Narangolle-E, in Ambanganga Divisional Secretary’s Division, in Matale District, Central Province" Possible location https://goo.gl/maps/7seBCR7NUykQR7ev8
Unfortunately this Tampita Viharaya has been completely rebuilt. The image house is no longer on pillars but on a cemented platform built burying the pillars. The walls and the roof too have been completely rebuilt with cement and new roofing tiles.
Unfortunately the base has been filled and the “Tam” or pillars of this structure has been covered during later renovations and now appears as a temple built on a normal foundation.
Unfortunately this Tampita Viharaya has been modernized losing all its architectural and historical value. Only the granite pillars seems to be of the original viharaya.
Is built upon 10 granite pillars which are about 3 1/2 feet high. These pillars are decorated with with wooden pillar heads. The end of wooden cross beams which lies on top of the pillars are too carved.
A Tampita Viharaya (temple on pillars) lying on the border of Thinapitiya Wewa (Maha Wewa) in Madampe. Pillars have been reinforced with concrete but the rest is in a reasonable state of preservation.
A popular Tampita Devalaya in Halpe. Two stories are built on short granite stumps.
233
Kumbalgama Sri Vishuddharamaya Purana Tampita Viharaya
no
Sabaragamuwa
Ratnapura
Protected as an archaeological monument - The Kumbalgama Sri Visuddhaaraama Ancient Tampita Viharaya and the surrounding moat in the Kumbalgama Grama Niladhari Division in the Imbulpae Divisional Secretary’s Division, Ratnapura District, Sabaragamuwa Province.
The base of the viharaya along with the stone pillars has been filled and cannot been seen. A larger hall has been built surrounding the tampita viharaya making it invisible.
Tampita Viharaya has been built completely in Nadun timber. Structure not seen today. The current structure possibly built around the original Tampita Viharaya.
The Tempita viharaya is erected on 16 stone pillars and is believed to be over 400 years. It has gone through some renovation losing some of its historical value.
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