Purana Meda Maha Viharaya at Karandagahamada – කරඳගහමඩ පුරාණ මැද මහා විහාරය

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Karandagahamada Purana Meda Maha Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Traveling through Meegahakivula towards Mahiyanganaya and 2km pass the town, you will come across the B86 road (Dambagahapitiya – Pinnagolla – Arawa – Meegahakiula road) at the Arawa Junction. Traveling 2.6 km on this road , you will come across the Purana Meda Maha Viharaya of Karandagahamada.

This temple is believed to be built during the 3rd century BC and the ancient stupa by the king King Kawanthissa ( father of king Dutugemunu). Unfortunately this stupa is no more with a new one being constructed over the ancient stupa. But the “Chatra Gala”also known as the “Gal Kude” or the “Umbrella Stone” of the ancient stupa still can be seen lying on the ground of the temple.

The very first stupas built in Sri Lanka didnt have the Devatha Kotuwa and the Kotha as of now, but a “Chatra Gala” standing on a “Yupa Kanuwa”, a tall granite pillar. This Chatra Gala along with the Siri Pathul Gala found lying on the premises confirms the antiquity of this temple.

Karandagahamada Viharaya Purana saman Devalaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

The ancient bo tree of Karandagahamada Purana Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Clay tiles and ruins of Karandagahamada Purana Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Scattered ruins of Karandagahamada Purana Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

Surrounding view from the Karandagahamada Purana Viharaya
Image courtesy of Dr. Ashan Geeganage

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