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photo by : kalana herath
Lunukadawella Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple with an ancient Tampita Viharaya lying in Rikillagamuwa, Wellawa in Kurunegala district. Lunukadawella lies on the banks of Deduru Oya and it is said that a type of fish called Lunukada was abundant in this area thus this area was named Lunukadawella.
According to legend Prince Gemunu on his march to Vijithapura to attack Elara’s last stronghold had rested with his army at Lunukadawella and it is said that this temple was built by him for his soldiers to perform Buddhist rituals.
The Tampita Viharaya at the temple belongs to the Kandyan era. 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.
The Tampita Viharaya at the Lunukadawella Rajamaha Viharaya is built upon 7 large granite pillars. Unfortunately this structure has been renovated with no concern to antiquity of the building. The wooden beams which lie across the pillars have been replaced with concrete beams and the image house too has been renovated to give a new look.
To reach the temple from Kurunegala, travel 2 km on the Dambulla road and turn on to the Hiripitiya road. Travel 7 km on this road to reach Wellawa and turn on to the Budanapitiya Road and travel past the Hiripitiya Government Hospital. Travel 4.2 along this route passing Rikillagamuwa (follow the notice boards to the temple along the way) 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 the Lunukadawella Tampita Rajamaha 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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Driving Directions to Lunukadawella Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya
Route from Kurunegala to Lunukadawella Tampita Rajamaha Viharaya |
| Though : Muttettugala – Wellawa – Rikillagamuwa distance : 14 km Travel time : 20 mins Time to spend : 20 – 30 mins Driving directions : see on google map |