Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya (කටියාව ශ්‍රී දෙතිස්ඵල බෝධිරුක්කාරාම රජමහා විහාරය)

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Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya

Katiyawa is a village located in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. Within the premises of Nawagala Rajamaha Viharaya, also situated in the village of Katiyawa, a rock inscription was discovered referencing Queen Kathiya, the consort of King Gamini Abhaya. It is apparent that the name Katiyawa originates from Queen Kathiya’s name (Atukorala, 2025).

The Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya is located about one kilometer from Katiyawa Wewa, nestled in a serene and peaceful setting. While most of the existing structures are of more recent construction, the temple grounds are dotted with remnants of antiquity, including broken stone pillars and various other stone artifacts. Several of these can still be seen around the ancient Bodhi tree, which is encircled by smaller peripheral Bodhi saplings.

Dethis Pala Maha Bodhi at Katiyawa

According to the Sinhala Bodhivamsa, one of the thirty-two saplings known as the Dethis Pala Bodhi, which sprang from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, was planted at Katiyawa during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BCE). It is believed that the Bodhi tree presently found at Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya is this very sapling, venerated for over two millennia.

Traveling to Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya

To reach the Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, begin your journey from Kekirawa town by taking the B213 Kekirawa–Talawa road. Travel approximately 24 kilometers until you reach the D. S. Senanayake Junction near Eppawala. From there, turn left onto the Endagala–Kekirawa road. Continue for 5.5 kilometers, passing the Katiyawa Wewa reservoir, then turn right and proceed for another 1.3 kilometers to arrive at the temple premises.

References

Atukorala, N. (2025). Heritage of Sri Lanka: Asta Pala and Dethis Pala Bodhi. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.academia.edu/129706319/
Mahanama, Geiger, W.H. and Bode, M. (1912) The Mahavamsa: Or The Great Chronicle of Ceylon. London: H. Frowde for the Pali Text Society.
Wilgammula Thero, S.P. (1970) සිංහල බෝධිවංශය. Colombo: Lake House.

Also See

Dethis Pala Bodhi Trees in Sri Lanka

Map of the Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya

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Driving Directions to Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya

Route from Kekirawa to Katiyawa Sri Dethispala Bodhirukkarama Rajamaha Viharaya

Via: Eppawala
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 45 minutes
Driving directions: see on Google Maps.

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