Gampaha Maddegama Rajamaha Viharaya

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මැද්දේගම රජමහා විහාරය (Maddegama Raja Maha Viharaya)

It is said that over 2000 years ago, King Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BCE), during his journey from the Anuradhapura Kingdom to Ruhunu Magama, planted one of the thirty-two saplings (Detis Pala Ruha Bodhi) of the sacred Bodhi tree on a hilltop. A monastery, known as Bodhimallu Viharaya, was built around it, as mentioned in the Bodhi Vamsa. Today, this monastery, now known as Maddegama Rajamaha Viharaya, is limited to about 28 acres.

It can be accessed by traveling approximately 1 km on the Aamithirigala Road, which turns left from the Navatiya Junction on the Hanwella Road, originating from Kirindiwela. It’s easier to reach the temple directly by taking a bus from Kirindiwela via Demalagama to Aamithirigala. At the beginning of the staircase that gracefully ascends to an elevated area near the road, a statue of Sudumal Bandara, a deity believed to protect the Bodhi tree, has been erected.

The Cave Temple

After ascending the black stone staircase, there’s a slightly flat area in the middle of the hill. To the left is a small rock cave with a drip ledge (kataram) carved into it. A roof has been added to cover the front of the cave, serving as the temple’s image house. The legend woven around this cave, intertwined with popular folklore, vaguely reveals details from a distant past.

This place is claimed as a hiding place for King Walagamba (89-76 BCE) during the Soli invasion. It is said that the king later converted it into a cave temple and offered it to the Maha Sangha.

It is presumed that the roof and veranda of this small cave were added during the Kandyan era. Although the current structures reflect changes over time, they are believed to be over a hundred years old.

Upon entering the cave temple, one can see a beautifully crafted trio of Buddha statues—standing, reclining, and seated—within a small area. The statues, said to have been made during King Walagamba’s time, appear to have been renovated later, reflecting the artistic traditions of the Kandyan era.

Among the paintings in the Vihara temple, one can see depictions of Kings Devanampiyatissa and Walagamba, the deity Sudumal Bandara, and Jataka stories such as Nalapana Jataka.

Present Condition and Upper Terrace

Today, some of the ancient paintings have faded, and portions have begun to peel away. However, the Department of Archaeology has recently carried out restoration work to preserve what remains. Within the central courtyard, near the Buddha shrine, there is a stone staircase that leads to the upper terrace. Climbing this staircase brings you to the upper compound of the temple.

Here, on the hilltop, stands the Dethis Pala Ruha Bodhi tree, believed to have been planted by King Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BCE) himself. Now aged and frail, the tree appears particularly delicate during the dry season, when many trees shed their leaves—making its condition seem even more fragile.

Despite its withered appearance, this sacred Bodhi tree remains a symbol of endurance and quiet strength. It holds a revered place among Sri Lanka’s sacred trees, alongside the Sri Maha Bodhi and the Asthapala Ruha Bodhi. Its presence adds a deeply spiritual dimension to the temple grounds.

Inscriptions and Panoramic Views

On the upper terrace, a fallen stone inscription lies to one side—an artifact that once held the key to understanding the site’s historical significance. Over time, the letters have faded, rendering the inscription nearly illegible. However, historians who have examined it believe that it dates to the transitional period between the end of the Anuradhapura era and the beginning of the Polonnaruwa era, though the precise location mentioned as Polonnaruwa in the text has not been clearly identified.

Close to the ancient Bodhi tree, a modest stupa and a newly constructed bell tower rise gently into view. Set against the vast expanse of sky, the scene is quietly captivating.

From this elevated vantage point, one can gaze out over a stunning landscape: distant mountain ranges, scattered human settlements in the lowlands, and the soft green canopy of trees and foliage that stretches to the horizon. The view resembles a series of delicate watercolor paintings—serene, layered, and full of life.

Yet, much of the site’s history remains obscured. Throughout the centuries, natural disasters and times of turmoil have erased large parts of its recorded past. As a result, tracing the full history of this sacred temple has proven difficult even to this day.

The Dethis Pala Bohi Tree of Maddegama Raja Maha Viharaya

Image House of Maddegama Raja Maha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Gampaha Maddegama Raja Maha Viharaya

From Colombo to Gampaha Maddegama Raja Maha Viharaya

Via: Malabe-Katunayake Expressway-Kerawalapitiya-Outer Circular Expressway-Kadawatha-Weliweriya-Kirindiwela
Distance: 50 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1.15 hours
Time to Allocate: Approximately 30-45 minutes
Directions: View on Google Maps here