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Located about 10 km from Anamaduwa town, near the Mahamithawa Wewa reservoir, Sri Sumittarama Viharaya is an ancient temple that features a Tampita Viharaya from a bygone era, alongside newer buildings.
During the Kandyan period, the Tampita Vihara was a distinctive type of temple constructed on pillars. Its defining characteristic is its elevation, supported by either monolithic wooden pillars or short rock pillars.
This type of vihara, built on raised platforms supported by wooden or stone pillars, was designed to prevent white ants and other vermin from entering and causing damage.
The Tampita Viharaya at Sri Sumittaramaya temple stands on 20 massive granite pillars, each about 4 feet tall. The structure’s weight is supported by a framework of large wooden beams, with their ends intricately carved in a “Gonas” design.
The walls are crafted from clay and painted, but regrettably, the original Kandyan-era murals have not survived. The existing paintings appear to have been retouched recently by an amateur artist, compromising both their originality and aesthetic appeal. Despite this, the wooden columns at the entrance of the inner chamber and the timber framework of the roof feature exquisite carvings.
The main Buddha statue inside the viharaya is distinctive, as it is crafted in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, though the fingers do not touch the ground. This mudra represents the moment of the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree when he called upon the earth goddess to witness his attainment of enlightenment. Buddha statues in the Bhumisparsha Mudra are exceptionally rare in Sri Lanka.
Beside the Buddha, there are two statues of his chief disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana Theros, depicted kneeling. These statues, however, are likely not as old as the Tampita Viharaya itself.
To visit this temple, travel about 5.5 km towards Nikaweratiya until you reach an open junction in Monnekulama known as Palugas Handiya. Turn onto this road and continue for 4.8 km to reach the temple, located just before the Mahamithawa Wewa.
Also See
- Tampita Vihara of Sri Lanka Index
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Mahamithawa Sri Sumittaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya
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Travel Directions to Mahamithawa Sri Sumittaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya
| Route from Colombo to Mahamithawa Sri Sumittaramaya Purana Tampita Viharaya |
| Though : Chilaw – Anamaduwa Distance : 141 km Travel time : 3.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
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