Heritage

Kadiragala Raja Maha Viharaya

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Remains of the ancient stupa and the and the new one at the top of Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya rock.
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The historical Kadiragala Purana Rajamaha Temple located near Wariyapola Town in the North-West Province is a well-known temple among the locals. There is also a devale where offerings are made to Gale Bandara deity in this temple. The name of the ancient Rajamaha temple of Kadiragala dates back to the time when the deity Kataragama lived. The rock was called the Kadira-aa-Gala which later became Kadiragala.

From Wariyapola town, turn right at the Kithulvehera road for about ¾ km, turn left and go about another ¾ km across the Piumgalla village, the historical Kadiragala ancient temple site is located at the foot of a breathtaking scenic hill.

Kadiragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Piriwen Rajamaha Viharaya, Hettigama Sri Sudarsanaramaya, Malwana Rajagirilen Viharaya and Kurunegala Atkanda Purana Rajamaha Viharaya are all headed by the chief Sanghanayaka of the North West Province.

According to folklore, this temple was built by Meegasthanne Adhikaram who is said to have been a minister during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasingha.

This temple boasts a pond which never dries up atop the rock. According to local belief, emptying the pond during a severe drought is said to summon rain to the area.

Every year, the Buddhist people of the area collect the harvest from farming and hold a festival called “Keela Pandama” on the hill of the temple. On a Friday evening, a torch woven from old robes, dipped in oil made from sixty coconuts is lit and milk is boiled.

Somarathana Thera of Katayapatane, a resident monk of the temple, states the following about this temple.

There is a belief among the people that Prince Vathimi became the Gale Bandara deity during the Kurunegala kingdom when he was thrown down from Athugala Rock and killed. It is said that Kataragama deity has visited this place as per the invitation of the deity Galebandara.

Every year on the 1st of January in the evening, a procession starts from Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Pirivena Temple and after arriving at the historic Kadiragala Ancient Temple in Wariyapola city, a Maha Bodhi Puja is held for the people and the government, followed by a Deva Puja for deity Gale Bandara.

This expansive temple sprawls across 8 acres and encompasses all essential elements typical of a traditional temple. Within its grounds lies a cave-built image house, featuring a towering statue standing at 20 feet in height and measuring 12 cubic feet in volume.

Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya - The temple at the bottom

The new stupa of Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya.

Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya - Steps to the top of the rock

A small stupa at the top of Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya rock.

Bana Maduwa - Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya.

Remains of the ancient stupa at the top of Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya rock.

Image house and the Gale Bandara Devale of Kadiragala Rajamaha Viharaya.

by බමුණාකොටුව – නන්දනසිරි ශාන්ත කුමාර
source : www.divaina.com

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Map of Kadiragala Raja Maha Viharaya

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Travelling Directions to Kadiragala Raja Maha Viharaya

From Colombo to Kadiragala Ancient Temple – Route Route I	From Colombo to Kadiragala Ancient Temple – Route Route II
Via : Ambepussa – Kurunegala Distance : 125 km Travel Time : 3 Hours Driving Directions : View on Google Map	Via : Halawata (Halawata) Distance : 145 km Travel Time : 3 Hours Driving Directions : View on Google Map

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Also See

Map of Kadiragala Raja Maha Viharaya

Travelling Directions to Kadiragala Raja Maha Viharaya

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